Tasmanian Grace Elson won her first national title at the Australian Middle Distance Championships this morning. Elson took the lead at the 4th control, and kept her cool in the detailed granite of Korong Spur to beat teammate and pre-race favourite Hanny Allston. This was the final race before the Australian World Championships team will be announced, and Susanne Casanova did her chances no harm with a solid 3rd place. Standout performer was Felicity Brown who beat several  of the WOC contenders for her 5th place.

In the mens race, Dave Shepherd prevailed once again – his 5th National League victory in a row! The minor placings were filled by old hands Grant Bluett and  Eric Morris (who looks almost certain now to qualify for his 2nd WOC team). Other notable performances included returns to form for Adrian Jackson (4th) and Ben Rattray (6th).

The National League teams competition saw the NSW Ultimax Stingers retain their lead, but lose a point to both of their challengers – the Cockatoos and the Nuggets. The teams competition will heat up tomorrow at the Victorian Relays on the outskirts of Bendigo.

Results on winsplits.