Usshers in the lead after day one

Defending champion Richard Ussher is leading the field after the first day of the Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse race from Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa.

The first day of the 194km race comprises a 15km mountain bike leg, a 14km kayak and a tough 46km run, split into two legs and including a spectacular climb over the Panekire Range.

Nelson's Ussher, rated the world's best multisport athlete, led the individual competition from start to finish yesterday, extending his lead over second-placed Marcel Hagener to 31 minutes by the finish line.

In third place is experienced multisport athlete Cam Durno, from Taupo.

Ussher did have company at the front of the field, in the form of the top two-man individual team.

Well-known multisport ath-letes Gordon Walker and Dwarne Farley have combined as a formidable team with the goal of challenging Ussher for line honours later today.

They succeeded in beating him to the finish line by 20 minutes yesterday, which Ussher didn't mind too much.

"It was actually great having some company today. Gordon and I paddled a bit together but then he put the hammer down and I knew I needed to conserve my energy – I had a long day ahead," Ussher said.

In stunning conditions, it was Ussher who showed his class and intentions as he powered away from the field during the mountainbike stage, even trouncing the team riders.

"He just put the hammer down, really," explained Farley afterwards. "I was trying to hold on so that Gordon could start the kayak with him."

Hagener, who placed fifth last year, was pleased with his day and improving his day one time by 40 minutes over last year's effort.

"I think I am just fresher. Last year I had just come off a big adventure race, so my body was tired. This year I could push the pace a bit more, and really enjoyed it out there."

Hagener completed 26km of the 46km run in shoes two sizes too small after his brother forgot to have his own at the transition point. "I could feel blisters forming the whole way round. I was so relieved to get my own shoes at the next transition point. I just wouldn't have made it otherwise," he said.

In the women's race, the field was tight for the first two stages. Elina Ussher and Louise Mark were stroke for stroke as they completed the kayak leg. However, once running, Ussher quickly stamped her mark on the field and kept extending her lead, finishing day one with a 25-minute advantage over Auckland-based Mark.

"Well, it hasn't got any easier," Ussher joked at the finish line. "But it is still just as stunning."

Day two today was to include a 23km mountainbike, a 43km road cycle, a 21km kayak and a final 16km run to the finish line at the historic Wairoa Lighthouse, where a street party awaits the competitors.

- © Fairfax NZ News