Elina Ussher Wins Motu Challenge for 10th Time in a Row

Press Release / 11.10.2016

Elina Ussher won her tenth title at the Motu Challenge multisport race in Opotiki on Saturday, beating her nearest rival Hannah Wells by 28 minutes and also beating the record she set in 2011.

The Nelson athlete's success and longevity is a testament to her dedication to the triple discipline of multisport, says event manager Mike van der Boom.

“Obviously the Motu Challenge suits her and she just keeps coming back for more,” says Mike.

Aided by a high river flow Elina shaved 3 minutes and 12 seconds off the record she set in 2011.

The men's race was a three way battle between Daniel Jones, Stu Lynch and Bobby Dean with only 7 minutes separating them at the Memorial Park finish line in Opotiki. Daniel and Bobby finished the 65 kilometre mountain bike stage together and six minutes clear of Stu. Daniel known for his blistering running speed managed to open a gap of 2 minutes on Bobby and 13 minutes on Stu during the 17 kilometre running stage.

World adventure racing champion Stu wasn't finished yet and slowly made inroads into the two front runners. Firstly passing Bobby and then hunting Daniel down on the kayak leg. Damniel held onto win in a time 7 hours 30 minutes and 40 seconds, with just under 3 minutes gap to second placed Stu.

The Riverlock Motu 160 event was also a tightly contested race with four riders left to sprint for the line. After 160 kilometres of cycling the group of four included Sam Thorpe-Loversuch, Jack Carruthers, Stephen Sheldrake and Glen Carbine sprinted madly for the tape with 18 year old Thorpe-Loversuch taking the honours in a time of 4 hours and 42 minutes.

Veteran Whakatane rider Kay Watkins dominated the women's race winning in a time of 6 hours and 32 minutes. The Riverlock Motu 160 event is made up of a 65 kilometre mountain bike and a 90 kilometre cycle.

The Motu Challenge also added two new events to the day with an adult long distance duathlon and a duathlon for the kids affectionately entitled ‘mini-motu'.

The women's and men's long distance duathlons were won by Erin Furness and Mike Wight respectively.

The mini motu event was heralded a success with all children receiving a medal and spot prize after completing the run/mountain bike/run event over varying distances depending on age.

Race organisers were thrilled with the turn out at the event, with entries well up on the last few years. Marty Madsen the race director reckoned it was the sunniest day ever at the event, an event renowned for windy and wet spring conditions.