Courtney Hancock sacrifices Coolangatta Gold bid for ironwoman surf series campaign

COURTNEY Hancock will sacrifice the chance to win a fourth Coolangatta Gold crown in the hope she can regain the Nutri-Grain ironwoman series crown over the Australian summer.

Courtney Hancock will put all her energy into the Nutri-Grain series.

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COURTNEY Hancock will sacrifice the chance to win a fourth Coolangatta Gold crown in the hope she can regain the Nutri-Grain ironwoman series crown over the Australian summer.

With Hancock and other favourites beaten to the punch by youngster Brielle Cooper for the last Nutri-Grain crown, Hancock has made the decision to ditch the punishing Coolangatta Gold to improve her chances of winning the short-course racing series.

“There are only thirteen days between the Gold and the ironwoman series and I feel I am putting too much pressure on my body to do both races well,” Hancock said.

Courtney Hancock will put all her energy into the Nutri-Grain series.

“The long-distance training takes a toll on my body and there isn’t enough recovery time for me.

“I didn’t feel I had my normal level of power and speed last season so I’m content to sacrifice racing at the Gold to aim for the ironwoman champion crown.’’

The Coolangatta Gold will be raced on Sunday with the likes of Georgia Miller, Allie Britton and Danielle McKenzie among the favourites to dominate the women’s race.