Two world class Australians conquered the elite 2.km 'I'm Going Long' race at the Bay of Plenty Times co-sponsored Sand to Surf event held in glorious conditions at Pilot Bay this morning.
Rhys Mainstone won the men's race with compatriot Melissa Gorman first home in the women's race, with both swimmers leading from start to finish.
Mainstone finished 10 seconds ahead of fellow Aussie George O'Brien while the battle of the Bay of Plenty boys Nathan Capp and Kane Radford added some drama to the third place finish.
Rotorua's Radford held off Tauranga's Capp until the last 50 metres when Capp stormed past to take third place in 28.38 with Radford two seconds behind in 28.40.