X-Adventure winners Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack Day 2 of the X-Adventure, Dunsborough – Australia’s largest off-road triathlon - saw athletes take on the challenging course of a 1500m ocean swim, 12km coast and trail run and 22km mountain bike.

 

It was a rough start to the race with plenty of waves in the swim but it didn’t seem to deter overall winner Ben Allen from Wollongong NSW, who dominated right from the start.

 

Ben Allen was first across the finish line in an overall time of 2:18:37, setting a new course record and 18 minutes in front of his nearest rival.

 

The 12-time Xterra World Tour Race Champion was extremely impressive all day and showcased his talent to Western Australia’s South-West.

 

“I love this sport and everyone here has put on such a fantastic event, I really wanted to do it justice," said Allen.

 

“The course is amazing - rock hopping along the coast, being able to pick up a bit of speed on the trail section of the run and then the mountain bike course just speaks for itself - it’s a mountain bikers dream with heaps of single track."

 

In second place was Nathan Jones of Leederville WA, in a time of 2:36:05, and rounding out the top three was Balinga Pasco in 2:38:55.

 

The swim leg provided a good challenge for Jacqui Slack who is not used to choppy conditions. She came in second out of the swim, closely behind open water specialist Ceinwen Roberts from Swanbourne WA.

 

From there, Slack went strength to strength, gaining time on her nearest competitors to finish 14 minutes in front.

 

“I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Slack.

 

“I felt awesome rock hopping in the run. I got into a great rhythm and there were lots of people out on course cheering as we came through.

 

“When I came into the bike leg it just felt better and better.

 

“It was probably the most fun mountain bike course I’ve ever done. It was just awesome out there,” said Slack.

 

Coming in second behind Slack was elite triathlete Rachael Smith, from Victoria Park WA, followed very closely by Kristen Gadsdon from City Beach WA.