COVID forces another delay to Nutri-Grain Series start

Surf Life Saving Australia has made a decision to postpone the opening rounds of the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series for a second time, with the Gold Coast now the most likely destination for the commencement of the season. FULL DETAILS HERE.

Nutri-Grain series champion Brielle Cooper has switched clubs from Kurrawa to Burleigh Heads Surf Club.Photo Scott Powick Newscorp

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Surf Life Saving Australia has made a decision to postpone the opening rounds of the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series for a second time, with the Gold Coast now the most likely destination for the commencement of the season. 

The opening rounds of the elite series were originally scheduled to take place at Kingscliff in northern NSW on December 18 and 19, 2020 but were postponed due to the outbreak in the Sydney Northern Beaches. 

The decision was made to start the Series at Wanda in NSW, on the dates set for the second weekend of the Series (January 16 and 17) with the addition of Friday racing (January 15) – however the ongoing uncertainty and complexity in relation to COVID-19 at the moment, has led to the decision being taken to postpone the commencement of the Series to February.

“It is really unfortunate that we have had to again make the decision to postpone the start of the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series, but the decision has been made with the best interests of everyone involved and the wider community,” said Surf Life Saving Australia Board Member and Surf Sports Board Chair, Suzanne Storrie.

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“It is impossible to 100 percent confirm how the Series will proceed, but we are determined to explore all options to run the six rounds of the elite and Next Gen Series. Our staff are actively working through options with a wide range of stakeholders.

“At this stage, we are working towards starting the Series in Kurrawa, Queensland on the second weekend in February, originally scheduled as the final weekend of the Series, and will then look to add additional dates for the Series in and around other events in the surf sports calendar.

Nutri-Grain series champion Brielle Cooper has switched clubs from Kurrawa to Burleigh Heads Surf Club.Photo Scott Powick Newscorp

“However, we absolutely recognise that for this to go ahead, it will require an improvement in Government health advice and border restrictions, so we may need to adapt again, which is just an unfortunately reality given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 response.

“We will continue to actively monitor the situation and work with all stakeholders, including state governments, local councils, host broadcaster Channel 9, athletes and sponsors and will communicate accordingly once further details are confirmed,” added Storrie.