Candice Warner and Guy Leech dream team in big win in double ski

Candice Warner has kicked off her comeback to sport as part of a dream team now planning to tackle more events after their first-up success.

Candice Warner and Guy Leech after their mixed ski paddle at the Bridge to Beach event. Pic: Richard Dobson

Candice Warner’s return to competition after marriage to cricket star David Warner and three children continues to grow legs with the former ironwoman winning a double ski race as past of a surf life saving dream team.

Warner, who is juggling married life, three children and media jobs, including a radio gig and commentary during the recent professional iron surf series, is preparing for two major competitions in upcoming months.

Surf Life Saving stars of the past Guy Leech and Candice Falzon.

And the Maroubra based Warner said her win with surf legend Guy Leech in Sunday’s Shaw and Partners Bridge to Beach mixed double ski race was a big “confidence booster’’ for both events.

Watched by husband Dave and their three daughters, Ivy Mae, Indi Rae and Isla Rose, Warner and Leech covered the 11km course with ease for a win which has provoked the pair to declare they will team-up for more events - including The Chucky on Sydney’s northern beaches on March 19.

“Leechy and I had an absolute ball. That competitive edge never leaves you,’’ Warner said after the race.

“We had the win and we will now do some more races together. It was great.’’

Candice Warner after her race win with Guy Leech at the Bridge to Beach paddle from Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly Wharf.

Guy Leech and Candice Warner have decided to stay together for more racing.

Warner will also be competing at the NSW surf life saving championships and then the Australian surf life saving championships on the Gold Coast in April.

With her confidence growing, warner plans to compete in some open racing at the states more than two decades after she first raced on the elite Nutri-Grain ironwoman series.

She will then compete at masters events at the nationals but is also considering doing some elite team events if her North Bondi club need her.

“I will do masters definitely at may do a few open events as well at states,’’ she said.

“The Aussies program of the. masters and open is a whole week. I don’t know if I have that in me.

“But I love competition. I love this sport. I l; loved doing this with Leechy today.’’

Candice Warner with daughters, Indi, 5, Ivy, 7, and Isla, 2, at the SCG for the Pink Test.

Leech was impressed with his new paddling partner.

“She is good, really good,’’ he said.

“I was in front leading and dug deep and when she had to push for victory, she di.’’

Gold Coast paddler Tom Norton won the single ski from Newport’s Luke Morrison and another Gold Coaster Corey Hill.

Ironwoman Danielle McKenzie, a New Zealander who competes in the Nutri-Grain surf series, dominated the women’s event from Georgia Laird and Canadian Olympic paddler Madeline Schmidt.

Originally published as Candice Warner and Guy Leech dream team in big win in double ski