The pair again demonstrated their dominance by reclaiming their titles at the Challenge Wānaka Multi on Saturday, repeating their 2023 victories in emphatic fashion.
Elliott, who led the men’s race from start to finish, crossed the line in 3hr 58min, finishing a full 5min ahead of his closest competitors, Flavio Vianna and Anthony Chapman.
After establishing an early lead in the kayak, he maintained his advantage throughout the 43km mountainbike and 14km trail run, never looking back.
"I use the fear of being caught as a reason to race hard and push on when it’s hurting," Elliott said in a statement.
Asked if this victory could signal another Coast to Coast triumph in 2025, Elliot expressed optimism.
"I hope so. This race sets up spring and summer training well."
In the women’s race, Queenstown multisporter Catherine Atkinson initially took the lead, leaving the 25km kayak leg in first place.
Maier overtook Atkinson during the mountainbike leg and powered through to the finish, clocking a time of 4hr 21min — an impressive 23min ahead of her nearest rival.
Maier also repeated her success in the veteran female 40-55 category this year.
"It was amazing," she said.
"It’s always a hard, honest, and brutal course."
About 260 athletes — a 50% increase from last year — took part in the Challenge Wānaka Multi.
The event, known for its stunning views and challenging terrain, features a 25km kayak on Lake Wānaka and the Clutha River, a 43km mountainbike ride through Wānaka’s best trails to Lake Hāwea, and a 14km trail run along the river and lakeside tracks.
The cloudy, overcast conditions provided a perfect setting for racing, and the course again tested the endurance of the competitors. — APL
