Caine Eckstein followed in older brother Shannon’s footsteps when he claimed his maiden Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Ironman Series title with a dominant performance at Noosa Heads on Sunday.
A five-time Coolangatta Gold champion, Eckstein proved he is much more than just an endurance specialist by wrapping up the series title at the finale with his third win from the six rounds.
The 26-year-old Eckstein may have taken the series crown from his brother Shannon but he still has some way to go if he wants to match his series record. Shannon has won the crown six times.
“I know how awesome these (ironman) competitors are so to beat them today and get the series victory is pretty special,” said Eckstein.
“I’ve got my head in the right space now. I love the sport, more than I have for the past few years.
“Usually I have put so much emphasis on the Coolangatta Gold and I’ve had the series as an afterthought but this year I really enjoyed the series.”
Eckstein went into Sunday’s eliminator event in second place, trailing 21-year-old Ali Day of Mooloolaba by five points.
But he won every one of the five knockout races, including the final, where he beat Ky Hurst and defending champion Shannon Eckstein in a desperate sprint on the sand.
As a result of his win, Eckstein finished on 115 points ahead of Day (108), who finished eighth in the final round.
Shannon Eckstein was third overall a further five points back.
Caine predicted Day would be a force to be reckoned with for seasons to come.
“Ali is so consistent now. He hasn’t won so many races so he doesn’t know how to win like someone like Zane Holmes. In the next few years when Ali gets that determination in his eyes he’ll be winning races left right and centre, he said.
In the Ironwoman Series, Northcliffe’s Elizabeth Pluimers captured her second series crown on Sunday when she won the sixth and final round.
Pluimers beat Brodie Moir and Jordan Mercer to finish the series on 119 points ahead of Kristyl Smith (112), who finished second overall for the sixth time in her career. Courtney Hancock was third overall (99 points).
