Kellogg Australia together with Surf Life Saving Australia and the Nine Network announced today a historic new partnership that will see more wave action broadcast than ever before, with a new‐look, rejuvenated Nutri‐Grain Series airing over consecutive weekends in January and February 2014.

The jam‐packed schedule of a revamped six round Nutri‐Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series with a mix of delayed and live broadcast will feature on the Nine Network on Sunday afternoons from January 18 through to February 23. Featuring some of Australia’s best athletes including Shannon Eckstein, Ky Hurst, and Courtney Hancock, the series will see the strongest 15 Kellogg’s Nutri‐Grain IronMen and 15 IronWomen competing for a total $378,000 in prize money.

According to Kellogg’s Marketing Manager, Ian Blackhall, the sport has gained tremendous momentum over the past few years and the partnership with Nine Network will further cement that growth.

“This summer we’re going to be showing a whole new side of the Nutri‐Grain athletes. We are so proud to be associated with such an iconic Australian sport with such amazing athletes. There has been a significant growth in the interest of the sport and we are absolutely committed to supporting the incredible journey for both the fans and aspiring Ironmen and Women.”

Seven time Nutri‐Grain champion Shannon Eckstein hailed the new direction as something competitors have been asking for.

“This is a surf sport and we want to contest it in waves. The surf is unpredictable and we train to read the ocean and what it delivers so I am thrilled with the new look Nutri‐Grain series.” said Mr Eckstein.

Surf Life Saving Australia President Graham Ford shared the sentiments, saying “We are so impressed by the athletes and their passion and we are delighted with the Nine Network partnership and the belief they have in the future of the sport.”

“This event sees our surf life savers compete to the highest of standards. Many of these men and women joined Surf Life Saving as nippers. Surf life saving clubs provide a safe and collegiate environment where saving lives, creating great Australians and building better communities is intrinsic in their DNA. They are an inspiration” Mr Ford said.

Head of Sport at Nine Network, Steve Crawley, said he was excited by the growing popularity of the sport and is confident that better wave locations and the Sunday afternoon timeslot will be a successful combination.

“The past few years has shown that Australians love this sport, and the fans really admire the skill needed to compete in such a series. The fact that the race locations are targeting the challenging waves the athletes thrive on will ensure we deliver great television.” said Mr Crawley.

Currently ten men and ten women have been confirmed in the Nutri‐Grain series after qualifying through the 2012/2013 season and a further four men and four women will gain entry from the Trial being held at Kingscliff today. The final 15th spot in both fields will be awarded to wildcards. Dates and locations for the Nutri‐Grain Series are still to be announced. The first round is expected to kick off at Margaret River, Western Australia, in mid to late November.

Kellogg and Surf Life Saving Australia has also announced the formation of an Athlete Advisory Panel, designed to represent the interests of athletes in designing the series structure, race formats competitor obligations and safety. The AAP members include Nutri‐Grain Series Contest Director Zane Holmes, Shannon Eckstein, Ky Hurst, Courtney Hancock and Krystal Smith as well as Race Referee Andrew Buhk representing SLSA. Additional race information will be announced shortly. 2012/2013 Race results and IronMan and IronWomen profiles can be found on the website www.surfironmanseries.com.au

ENDS