Couple chase big payday

Nelson multisport athletes Richard and Elina Ussher are defending their titles at the Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse today and tomorrow. With $39,000 in prize money at stake the race is the richest multisport event in New Zealand.

The couple are defending champions at this event and are favourites for the two-day race, covering 184km of stunning country from Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa.

Richard Ussher, who had a busy October, first winning the Motu Challenge and then placing 11th at the Xterra world triathlon championships, said he was looking forward to tackling the course again this year.

"Looking back on last year, the overwhelming memory is as much of the experience as it was the race," he said.

"It was a fantastic all-round event with the local community involvement at Tuai Village. It was a special event and such a cool place to go and race. I'm looking forward to heading back there."

He takes on 2004 Coast to Coast champion and last year's Lake to Lighthouse second-placed George Christison.

However, the Hawke's Bay multisporter will be heading into the race a little tired, having just finished second at the world adventure racing championships as part of Team Nike last weekend.

In contrast, Ussher's past few weeks have been fairly low key.

"November has been a recovery month really, so I will definitely be coming into this event fresh rather than overdone, but I'm looking forward to it."

Ussher believes the experience he gained by racing last year will play into his hands this year.

"Knowing the course will be a massive advantage, particularly the pacing over that run leg on the first day. The second day is a bit different, probably a bit more painful on the legs with that longer run leg, but I'm looking forward to it. It will be a great race."

The race began today from the village of Tuai, with a 15km mountain bike to Hone Bay and a 14km kayak across Lake Waikaremoana to Hopuruahine Landing.

Then begins two run legs totalling 46km around the Lake Waikaremoana track, which is rated as one of the greatest walks in the world.

It includes the 600m climb over the Panekiri Range, which offers remarkable views of the region.

A short 6km mountain bike back to Tuai village completes the first day.

Day two starts with a 23km mountainbike, followed by a 43km road cycle to the Wairoa River where participants kayak 21km towards Wairoa.

The final leg is a 16km run, with participants finishing at the historic Wairoa Lighthouse.

Ussher knows from experience it will not be a stroll in the park.

"It's not often we get to do a 45km run around a track and over a range. There's nothing particularly gnarly in it, but it is very long. I am quite excited to be able to go back to such a stunning part of New Zealand to race."

In the women's field, Elina Ussher will be the overwhelming favourite, but is likely to be chased hard by Head to Head record holder Louise Mark and European adventure racer Sia Svendsen.

- © Fairfax NZ News