Five of New Zealand's best woodchoppers are getting ready to go chainsaw-to-chainsaw in the quest for world championship glory.
The woodchoppers are competing in the 2019 Stihl Timbersports World Championship in Prague for their chance at the team world title.
- New Zealand speed tree-climbers battle for Trans-Tasman dominance at Rural Games
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to compete in classic gumboot throw
The competition takes place 1-2 November at the iconic Industrial Palace and will see athletes from all over the globe go chainsaw to chainsaw in the hope of returning home with the championship trophy.
The five New Zealanders, Kyle Lemon from Rotorua, Kahu Woolley from Taumaranui, Bobby Dowling from Tuatapere and brothers Shane and Jack Jordan from Stratford will compete in a knock-out duel, where the fastest team of each round will advance closer to the title.
Lemon has been in the woodchopping game for almost 30 years and said the team was excited to take part.
"Competing in international competitions is when you know all the years of training have really paid off. We've put in the hard yards and we're keen to walk away with the championship title," he said.
Last year's World Championships, held at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, saw the Australian team win for the sixth time setting a new world record along the way.
Stace Hall, STIHL New Zealand Team Manager, Stace Hall said the Kiwi team was keen to win the title from their friends across the ditch.
"New Zealand has an amazing track record on the world stage, woodchopping is in our DNA and it would be good to gain one victory back on the Aussies. I hope we need an extra bag on the plane to bring home the championship trophy," she said.
This is the first time the extreme sport will be held in the Czech Republic.
Newshub.
