Ussher chases more success in new Genesis Lake to Lighthouse event

The world’s leading multisporter Richard Ussher goes into the this weekend’s inaugural Genesis Lake to Lighthouse sight unseen as he looks to extend his winning run in the sport.

The Nelson-based Ussher and wife Elina are the favourites for the two-day race covering 176 of stunning surrounds from Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa.

The Lake to Lighthouse has been devised by the Wairoa Community Trust, one of a number of initiatives to create a more positive perception of the region as well as develop opportunities.

Ussher, who has won races in China, Trinidad, Australia and New Zealand in recent weeks, said his travel did not allow him to check out the course although he is greatly looking forward to the opportunity to compete especially around Lake Waikaremoana.
“It’s a part of New Zealand that is very special and quite stunning so it’s a privilege to be able to race there. I can’t wait,” Ussher said.

He takes on 2004 Coast to Coast champion George Christison, the local Hawkes Bay multisporter who is a renowned runner and also helped set up the original course.
“George is a great athlete and a fantastic runner. He has been around the course in helping to set it up. So I think I will be doing my best to hold on to him on the first day and see what happens on day two.”

Christison is looking forward to the race especially now it will be run over two days. He has put in as much training as possible and is looking forward to the competition with Ussher and Walker.

"I like to think I won't be too far behind Richard or thereabouts."

He doesn't expect that his local knowledge will offer him much of an advantage, although he is aware just how difficult the run will be, particularly the climb over the spectacular Panekiri Range.

"I think it will come down to the run. If you can run hard and get 10 to 15 minutes on someone it will be hard to get it back on the second day.”

Christison believes the atmosphere created by this aspect of the race matched by the beauty of the Urewera National Park, will make for a special experience for all participants and supporters.

The race starts from the village of Tuai on Friday with a 15km mountainbike to Hone Bay and a 14km kayak across Lake Waikaremoana to Hopuuahine Landing. Then begins two run legs totallying 45kms around the Lake Waikaremoana track, which is rated in the 1p great walks in the world. It includes the 1180climb over the Panekiri Range which offers remarkable views of the region. There is a short 6km mountainbike back to Tuai villege to complete the first day.

Day two includes a 60km mountainbike to the Waiau River at Ardkeen, a further 25km mountainbike across private land to the Wairoa River, 26km kayak from Fransertown to the mouth of the Wairoa River and 5km run to the final at the historic Wairoa Lighthouse.

Ussher knows it will not be a stroll in the park.

“It’s not often we get to do a 45km run around a track and over a range. There’s nothing particular gnarly in it but it is very long. But I am quite excited to be able to go to such a stunning aprt of New Zealand.

“The organisers have done a great job and the experience is going to be culturally rich for the competitors as well.”

Ussher, who defended his Coast to Coast title earlier this year, has won the Trinidad Coast to Coast event, and two rounds of the Anaconda Series in Australia on the Gold Coast and Perth. He also teamed up with his wife, Aaron Prince and Gordon Walker to win the stage race in China.

Elina also won in Trinidad and the pair took out the individual honours in the Motu Challenge near Opotiki last month, with Ussher beating his own course record to confirm his great form.

There’s $50,000 up for grabs in the Genesis Lake to Lighthouse event which makes it the richest multisport event in this country.