The Ultimax 5-Days kicked off today amongst the complex granite of Kahli’s Rocks. Men’s and Women’s A started proceedings with a tough but fast sprint. It was Julian Dent who shone through in the Men’s with a massive minute victory to his housemate Kerrin Rattray. Former world number 1 Mats Troeng took third a further 30 seconds adrift. Grace Elson won the women’s in equally emphatic fashion, beating Jasmine Neve but over a minute to show that she could be the one beat this week. Neve was followed by NZ veteran Jenni Adams

The top ten from the qualifier raced again in the afternoon in a top ten shootout which had $350 total prize money on offer. It was a reverse chasing start, at one-minute intervals, with a map change to give spectators a good view of the competitors. Kerrin Rattray blew his chances early with a one minute mistake at the first control. Julian then caught him and then ran the majority of the course together. Junior Norwegian star Olav Lundanes was the clubhouse leader with Mats Troeng coming through slightly behind. Dent however stormed to victory helping Rattray to fourth along the way.

Three young Australian girls showed the international field how its done. Vanessa Round was the first to climb on the podium’s top step with a quick time. It was quick but not enough to keep out Jasmine Neve who slipped in ahead. All eyes were then on the last starter Grace Elson who looked strong through the map change. In the end she took the $100 winner’s cheque followed by Neve and Round.

Day 2 sees a return to Kahli’s Rocks with all classes having a mass start. It should definitely provide an interesting battle in all classes.