Eckstein wins Kellogg’s Nutri-Grian Series

on Feb 19 in Blog by Admin

CAINE Eckstein had the look on his face that he normally reserves for the Coolangatta Gold. It was steely, focused and determined. You would be scared if you ran into him in a dark alley.

The five-time Coolangatta Gold champion knew what had to be done and he did it to a tee, winning all five races of the eliminator finale at Noosa to claim his first Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain IronMan Series title.

In one of the most dominant performances of recent times, Eckstein, 26, recorded his third round victory of the series, relegating former series leader Ali Day to runner-up and six-time series champion brother Shannon Eckstein to third.

He now holds the Coolangatta Gold and IronMan Series titles, but says winning the “Triple Crown” with gold in the open ironman at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships will be a tough task.

“These guys are so good. When Shannon, Zane (Holmes) and Ky (Hurst) are at their best, they’re pretty good. I know that from last year,” he said.

“The Gold and this is pretty special but I know how good these guys are. It’s (Aussies) just one race.”

Shannon, who finished third yesterday behind Hurst, was the first to congratulate his brother.

“I know he’s pretty happy for me. It’s pretty special to have my mum and Shannon there,” Caine said.

“He knows how hard it is. I think that’s why he’s pretty proud and happy for me.

“As I am when he wins.”

The win erased any thoughts Eckstein was only an endurance specialist as he dominated the five short-course races.

“I don’t care if people say I’m a long-distance man and crap at shortcourse. I just do what I love doing,” he said.

“Compared to last year, I definitely believe in myself more now.

“If I was going in five points down last year I probably wouldn’t have thought I had a chance.”

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

Image: Surf Ironman Series