Bateup chases elusive KNG title0

IT’S unfamiliar territory but the pressure is not going to weigh down Hayley Bateup in her quest to capture a first Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironwoman series title on Sunday.

After 14 years at the top, Bateup wants the trophy that’s eluded her and her chances have never been better.

Being the veteran of the field has not been a factor for Bateup, who turned 30 last month, filling all the top-four placings in as many rounds, including her stunning victory on her home beach, Kurrawa.

Leading the series on 74 points after four rounds, Bateup sits two points clear of Mooloolaba’s Alicia Marriott (72) and defending champion Naomi Flood (70), while Elizabeth Pluimers (63), Courtney Hancock (61) and Kristyl Smith (60) are still a chance of springing a surprise.

But with the title so close, Bateup is focused on consistency, knowing how quickly things can be taken away when they appear close.

“The feeling is good but at the same time I know how close things are and it has been so close so far in every race,” said Bateup, of the tight race

“I’ve been consistent and that’s paid off but at the same time I can’t be too content with where I’m at and I have to make sure I have a good race to give myself the best chance.”

Preparing for three races on Saturday and getting through each will be the main focus of Bateup — with the bottom five from the first two events eliminated — with double points on the line in the 10-person finale to the series.

With double points on the line, Bateup will need to finish the final ahead of Marriott to be assured of the crown. Since first making an impact on the surf lifesaving world as a talented 16-year-old in the former Uncle Tobys Series in 1996, Bateup has frequently been one of the big performers and enjoyed some big results, including her triumph in the Australian Ironwoman final in 2001.

But she will tell you there is something missing.

“I’ve been doing the professional series since I was 16, that’s 14 years and I have never won a series,” she said.

“If I could win it would be awesome and definitely up there with one of the best things I have done, so hopefully I can finish it off well.”

In the men’s division, only a monumental blunder can deny Shannon Eckstein the chance to join injured Northcliffe clubmate Zane Holmes as a five-time winner of the series.

Eckstein has been unstoppable this series, his only slip up coming in Round 3 when Ky Hurst produced his first win back in the sport, leading on 79 points.

Tugun’s Hugh Dougherty, on 73, could secure his best finish while a series victory is also not out of the equation should Eckstein stumble.