CHAMPION DUO ENJOY THE BEST OF THE BEST
ALI Day and Jordan Mercer have hailed the inaugural World Ironman Series event in Bali as “world-class” and “the most amazing racing experience”.
Surfers Paradise ironman Day, a five-time Coolangatta Gold champion, led the eight-man field after the first day of competition at Finns Beach Club at Canggu.
Day led Matt Bevilacqua and Shannon Eckstein after the opening day’s accumulator race series and held on to his lead through the eliminator racing on Sunday night to emerge as the inaugural champion.
Noosa’s Mercer also dominated both days, leading Gold Coasters Maddy Dunn and Courtney Hancock after Saturday night’s accumulator races before winning the eliminator on Sunday night.
Day said he had not known what to expect.
“The crowd and support over here has been like nothing else, it’s got me really excited to see where this event goes in the future,” Day said.
Mercer said World Ironman Bali had been “the most amazing racing experience I have ever had”.
“The Finns beach club location, atmosphere and ocean conditions have been world class,” Mercer said.
“This victory means so much to me. I’m honoured to have the World Ironwoman Series title to my name.
“I have had a tough comeback campaign recovering from injury and there’s no greater way to prove to myself that I am back at the top of my sport.”
Bevilacqua and fellow Gold Coast-based surf lifesaver Matt Poole came up with the World Ironman Series concept, with the inaugural event held in Bali over the weekend.