It\'s on ! Inaugural Trans-Tasman Challenge set to rock Geographe Bay

Sam Maffett - Rapid Ascent / 12.10.2007

New Zealand\'s elite will be going head to head with Australia\'s best, with the lowest combined times earning not only victory, but a $1,000 cash bonus, the inaugural trans-Tasman trophy and most importantly: bragging rights.

Representing New Zealand we have Richard Ussher - twice world individual champion, former world teams champion & more recently Anaconda Forster winner; Gordon Walker - reigning individual world champion and (with Richard) winner of the Keen Adventure Race earlier this year, and new kid on the block; Bailey Elliot. Bailey started life as an elite junior swimmer, before progressing into surf ironwomen races, followed by a foray into the national junior triathlon team. The variety of these disciplines puts her in good stead to challenge the Aussies.

In the green and gold corner we find Queensland\'s Guy Andrews - winner of 3 Anaconda races (and on the podium for the other 3); Jarad Kohlar from Victoria (2006 Australian Anaconda Sprint Champion and winner of last week\'s Upper Murray Challenge) and New South Wales\' Christie Sym - who has been untouchable in the women\'s field this year (and most of last for that matter).