John Ireland has solved his clutch issue to set the second fastest time on the 25 km Savage River stage.

White was quickest, Ireland +9s, Stokell +16s and Pritchard +19s.

Overall, White leads, Stokell +1m 44s, Pritchard + 1m 52 secs and Ireland +2m 18secs.

With 45 kilometres remaining, the battle for 2nd and 3rd is still wide open while White seems to have one hand on the Trophy.