CHANGE FOR COOLY GOLD

THE Coolangatta Gold could be set for a change as speculation grows the iconic event could soon become a round of the Ocean6 series.

With surf lifesaving still buzzing from the recent Aussies on the Gold Coast, talk on the beaches is that the marathon iron event may soon be integrated into the elite series.

“It would be great if it came off,” six-time champion Ali Day said.

THE Coolangatta Gold could be set for a change as speculation grows the iconic event could soon become a round of the Ocean6 series.

With surf lifesaving still buzzing from the recently completed Aussies on the Gold Coast, talk on the beaches is that the marathon iron event may soon be integrated into the elite series.

It was a murmur which was fuelled further by Northcliffe product Mitch Coombes moments after he claimed a second consecutive under-19 ironman title at the Aussies.

“At this stage it’s part of the Nutri-Grain series,” he speculated. “That’s the talk, that the Coolangatta Gold is going to be a series round.”

Six-time Gold champion Ali Day believes including the event as one of the Ocean6 rounds would only strengthen the classic.

“It would be great if it came off,” he said.

“They’ve talked about it for so many years and it would be great if they did because it’s one of the most iconic races. “It’s my favourite event.” The 28-year-old believes the move will raise the Gold back to its former glory.

“It’s still one of Australia’s most iconic endurance races but the last few years, it hasn’t been televised,” he said.

When quizzed on the Gold’s potential move, Surf Lifesaving Australia said they were still finalising the 2019-20 summer surf sport calendar.

“The format for the elite series next season is still being discussed and will be released in the coming months,” read an email provided to the Bulletin. “The Coolangatta Gold for 2019 is confirmed for 12-13 October, 2019.”