Conditions could not have been better for Race 5 of the State Beach Series on Takapuna Beach. The weather delivered mild temperatures, calm waters and a gentle westerly. Having placed in the previous four races, Jackson Cropp led the field home, finally securing his first title of the series winning the 1 km swim 16 seconds ahead of John Cosgrove. Steven Kent is the overall leader ahead of Cropp who sits in second place after five races.
The women's race is shaping up to be a thriller. Last year's defending champion Brenda Russell is facing weekly challenges from a strong field of younger swimmers. Last night Johanna O'Connor squeaked home first in the 1km swim, ahead of Kirsty Wannan and Brenda Russell. They were hotly pursued by up and coming Shore swimmer Claudia Brick, followed by World Triathlon U19 silver medalist Danielle McKenzie and Olympic triathlete Debbie Tanner. Kirsty Wannan is overall leader, with less than four points separating her from Brenda Russell and Johanna O'Conner.
Tara La Grange continued to dominate the women's 5km beach run. Former Olympian Sam Warriner led the first 2.5km leg of the race, but Le Grange position herself nicely in behind Warriner and pounced on the return second leg, edging her out by 14". Nick Sutherland led the men's field home 11 seconds ahead of Finn Mason.
In the absence of both Ferguson and Fouhy, Travis Mitchell notched up his second win of the series in the Surf Ski Paddle over a minute ahead of his nearest rival while Rachel Dodwell continued her dominance in the women's race.
Troy Houston won the men's 3km Stand Up Paddle while Stacey Smith was the fastest women on the night.
Race results are shown underneath the photo gallery.
