Port hosted the event for the first time over the weekend.

“The course at Port Stephens delivered a real challenge for athletes and added another unique race to the seven-race strong national series,” race director Simon Lazenby said. 

“The beach swim and the Euro-style mountain bike course, coupled with the amazing scenery and beach location, certainly both challenged and rewarded athletes - the quote from one age group athlete describing the  event as ‘brutally awesome’. 

“It’s tough, challenging and rewarding and offers athletes the opportunity to discover some of the most spectacular destinations in Australia.”

Ultimately, it was reigning under 23 World Cross Triathlon Champion Penny Slater (NSW) who won the open/elite category in the women’s.

Queenslander Max Neumann, back from some strong performances on road both overseas and at home, took the men’s title. 

Although the course was not as technically challenging as other TreX events organisers sadi the mountain bike leg was the exception.

It added a European element to round two as it was more physically challenging, with a lap that included fire trail, rocky climbs, steep descents and some hard sand trails in the mix. 

This made for a “thigh burning” 30km on the bike.

The TreX series offers an opportunity for athletes of any age or ability to come along and enjoy the off road experience.

In the sprint course which included a 400m swim, 15km XC MTB and 6km trail run there were also some amazing performances, especially in the Junior Young Guns categories.

The TreX series continues on its national tour with round 3, TreX Redlands, hosted at Queensland’s “mountain bike heaven”, Karingal Scout Camp,  Mount Cotton.

For more information about how you can be a part of Australia’s ultimate off-road triathlon visit  the website https://trextriathlon.com.au/