Dynamic Usshers fend off all rivals

World champion multisport athletes Richard and Elina Ussher successfully defended their titles at the Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse event on Saturday.

The Lake to Lighthouse is a 184-kilometre multisport race from Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa. The first day includes a 15km mountain bike, 14km kayak and tough 46km run, split into two legs, that include a spectacular climb over the Panekire Range.

On day two, competitors completed an altered day-two course from last year's inaugural race. Stage one was a 23km mountain bike from Tuai to Ohuka School, followed by a 43km road cycle, a 21km kayak from Frasertown to the mouth of the Wairoa River and a 16km run to the historic Wairoa Lighthouse where a street party was put on by the Wairoa community.

Richard Ussher dominated both days of competition in the individual field; however he had some company at the front end in the form of experienced multisport athletes Gordon Walker and Dwayne Farley, who combined as an unbeatable two-person team.

Walker and Farley finished 18 minutes ahead of Ussher on day one, however completed much of day two alongside Ussher, including crossing the finish line together.

"It was great having the company actually, especially on that last run leg. It was a tough finish to the event. There will be some tired bodies out there today." Ussher said at the finish line.

"This event is just brilliant, though. We have been welcomed back like family and have had a great weekend both years. This is a hard individual race but just awesome for teams. I would encourage people to get here and experience it for themselves."

Marcel Hagener improved on his fifth place from last year, coming second, with Cam Durno third. Hagener put his improvement down to fresher legs and a little bit of course knowledge.

"I was pretty tired coming into last year's race. I had done an adventure race just days before. This year I felt a lot better and really enjoyed the last two days of racing."

Richard's wife, Elina, took out the women's race by 45min from Louise Mark (Auckland). The former Finnish adventure racing star was a remarkable seventh individual overall, just over an hour behind her husband.

One thing the winning couple agree on is how stunning this event is. "It is just a beautiful course and a very special event. It is so well supported by athletes and locals – it has just been a great weekend," Elina said to the large Wairoa crowd that had gathered to welcome her in.

The Usshers leave for the Abu Dhabi Adventure race in eight days and Richard is looking forward to racing with his wife and some old friends "It has been four years since Nathan [Fa'ave], Marcel and I have all raced together – it is going to be great."

The Lake to Lighthouse was established in 2008 and is the richest multisport event in New Zealand with a $39,000 prize pool.

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