Iron Series 2024/25: Hometown hopeful Ethan Callaghan out to cause upset in final

A radical new format is set to shake-up the final round of the Iron Series at North Burleigh this weekend, and it’s one that could play into the hands of local underdog Ethan Callaghan.

(L-R) Ethan Callaghan, Joe Collins, Lizzie Welborn and Lana Rogers at the North Burleigh Press conference ahead of this weekend's Shaw and Partners Iron Series finals. Picture: Supplied.

A radical new format is set to shake-up the final round of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series at North Burleigh this weekend, and it’s one that could play into the hands of a local underdog.

Last season’s Next Gen champion Ethan Callaghan will be at home in the North Burleigh break representing Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park, and he has upset five-time Ironman champion and red-hot favourite Ali Day before.

Under the new format, no points have carried over into the final weekend of the Iron Series, and instead the previous rounds have been all about avoiding elimination.

A field of 16 will start on Saturday and that will be whittled down to eight by Sunday for a winner-takes-all final day frenzy.

“I am super stoked to be down here at my home beach,” Callaghan said, who finished fifth in the second round at Newcastle.

“I know this beach like the back of my hand. I grew up on this beach for 10-plus years.

“I feel like everyone doesn’t see the Next Gen as a contender, I’m just excited to get everyone scared to watch the red jersey go around.”

Ethan Callaghan ahead of this weekend's Shaw and Partners Iron Series finals. Picture: Supplied.

Last season, Callaghan claimed a shock win in the Hayden Kenny Classic Summer of Surf final when he was just 17, upsetting the likes of Day to announce himself as a heir apparent to the five-time champion’s throne.

“It’s the best win I have ever seen,” said Callaghan’s renowned coach Michael King at time.

Alongside King, Callaghan also has his father Travis who is a former Ironman racer himself in his corner.

“Dad definitely gives me a hand, he tells me what to do, he absolutely loves helping me and being down at the beach,” Callaghan said of his dad’s influence.

“He’s super proud, all my friends and family are super proud. I can’t wait to go out there and try and do them proud, do myself proud and do Burleigh proud.”

Now 34 years of age, 10-time Coolangatta Gold winner Day has a resume as fine as they come, but is set to face a serious test to add a sixth Ironman title courtesy of the new format.

“It’s something you wrestle with, I’ve done the sport for a really long time now and the series I’ve won in the past have all been the most consistent guy wins,” Day said.

“I still believe in consistency in the work you do in the lead up in your training and preparation, we’ve got to do a lot of races Saturday, you’ve got to be consistent that day.

Ethan Callaghan and Joe Collins are both in contention for the Ironman title ahead of this weekend’s finals. Picture: Supplied.

“You’ve got to be consistent on the Sunday in the first two races, I’m still a big believer in you do the little things right you’ll get rewarded.

“It is a different format, I can’t change it, I’m just going to be challenged by it and it’s exciting.

“You’ve still got to be able to deliver in the biggest moments and I feel like over my career I’ve done that, albeit I haven’t in this format.”

New Zealand Ironman champion Joe Collins is also out for a slice of history as he could become the first Kiwi to clinch the Ironman title.

On the women’s side of the finals, defending Ironwoman champion Lana Rogers is out to add a fourth crown, while Lizzie Welborn is in stunning form and could be becomes the first athlete from New South Wales to clinch the series title in over a decade.

“To bring that trophy back to New South Wales is something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time,” Welborn said.

“It definitely is something that gives me that added motivation.”

Originally published as Iron Series 2024/25: Hometown hopeful Ethan Callaghan out to cause upset in final