Women’s race set for a tough battle at the top
Once again, it’s going to be a hard-fought battle at the front of the Elite Women’s field for this year’s Kathmandu Coast to Coast Longest Day.
Wanaka’s Simone Maier returns to defend the title she won for the third time in 2022, as does the four-time champion Elina Ussher from Nelson, who’s lining up for her 18th Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Christchurch-based Fiona Dowling returns for her 10th time, hoping to go a few spots better, with the trio not surprisingly ranked 1, 2 and 3.
Proving age is no barrier with Maier and Ussher both over 40, they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon and will be looking to test themselves against the younger women coming up through the ranks.
“Elina Ussher will be competitive, there I no doubt about it. She doesn’t have ‘bad’ days on this course, and it will be absolutely no surprise to anyone if she wins again. The rest of the women will just have to race better than her on the day to win,” adds Currie.
Dowling will be hoping her seeded number doesn't once again equate to her podium spot. Having finished third four times in the Longest Day, including last year's weather-altered course, she will be hoping this year will be the one to crack the elusive Championship title.
While number four seed Rebecca Kingsford is technically not a Kathmandu Coast to Coast newbie, last year's weather-altered event means she has never raced the original course. But that doesn't mean she doesn't know what she is in for, finishing fourth and just missing out on a podium spot, stamping her mark as one to watch in this year's event.
Relatively new to the multisport scene, Kingsford has a lot of depth in endurance racing and is arguably one of New Zealand's most consistent triathletes. While only picking up kayaking before last year's race, she has shown she can compete with the best after taking the win at the recent Rasdex River Classic Kayak race.
Hannah Lund rounds out the top five women. Finishing fifth overall in last year's race and taking out the Open Women's division has undoubtedly given her the confidence to know she can compete at the elite level.
“The women’s race continues to have huge depth in terms of the field. There is so much talent in women’s adventure sport in New Zealand currently and this is evident in the Women’s Elite Kathmandu Coast to Coast field,” said Race Director Glen Currie. “There are ten women that can easily make the podium this year, making for an exciting battle at the front.”
Top 10 seeded women, 2023 Kathmandu Coast to Coast Longest Day
Seed Name Bib #
1 Simone Maier 11
2 Elina Ussher 12
3 Fiona Dowling 13
4 Rebecca Kingsford 14
5 Hannah Lund 16
6 Sarah Jenkins 17
7 Sez Peddie 18
8 Holly Weston 19
9 Kathryn Bunckenburg 20
10 Gill Fullen 40
