CALLUM McClusky – a top-class triathlete won all three Bass Coast Series events this year, taking the win at the Cape Paterson Aquathon, the San Remo Channel Challenge, and the March Cowes Classic.
Special Events Coordinator Ron Nicholson said McClusky is aspiring to make the Australian triathlon team for the Paris Olympics.
“It’s his first time competing in all three Bass Coast Series events in a single year, and he is certainly a top-class competitor.”
McClusky was out in front by 40-50 metres in the 500 metre swim before taking on the 4 kilometre run on Cowes northern beach. Spectators were out in the hundreds, lining the Cowes jetty and foreshore cheering the 390 competitors that took on the final series event.
“One of our local over 40 competitors Justin Tilley has come second overall in the whole event, which is a fantastic effort.”
Overall, there were 20 categories in the Cowes Classic. Including juniors, seniors, masters, veterans, and super veterans – male, female, open and local, and there were 20 awards presented, with one for each category.
Deputy Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead presented this year’s awards, and Ron explained that “The person who has accumulated the most points over the three events in each of those 20 categories, will receive a cheque for the winner of the Bass Coast Series. That’s a total of $4000 given away, completely sponsored by the Bass Coast Shire.”
“The Bass Coast Series is something that’s helped propel the events to new records because people like to feel they’ve done all three events and had a really good summer of fitness and health,” said Ron.
Ron explained that the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (WBSLSC) and the Phillip Island Football Netball Club work together to host the event.
“The lifesaving club provides all the water safety personnel, and the football club provides all the marshals on the running course – with each providing volunteers to help out in the race centre.”
Ron emphasised the importance of their partnership and how it benefits the community, with each club receiving 50 per cent of the proceeds.