Fourty times worldchampion Bjorn Dunkerbeck lived up to his legendary status by winning Western Australia's Ledge Point to Lancelin marathon today in the men's category, finishing 44 seconds ahead of his nearest rival and speed expert Chris Lockwood from Perth, Western Australia.

You started for the second time at the Ledge to Lancelin Marathon in 2011. What did you make different to win in 2011?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: The main difference was, that I was on the right sail size and board size for the wind , but I also knew the course better for sure.

What gear were you on?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: I used the iSonic 107 and Reflex II in 7.8m. (info by the organiser: the wind was around 26 knots strong on the race course with an average swell of 2.5 m)

Did your 2011 gear perform well?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: Yes, it was faster and felt easier than ever!

Did you feel any pressure while the Marathon from your opponents or did you dominate the race from the beginning on?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: I had the race under control from the beginning on.

How would you describe the situation at the start, when you run with 196 other competitors in the water at the Ledge?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: It was great!! Thanks to all you guys to show up and have fun!

You look extremely fit on the pictures. Do you feel prepared well to win the PWA Slalom title this season?

Bjorn Dunkerbeck: I feel GREAT and yes, I am ready for the Slalom season and the speedseason as well.

Thank you for this interview Bjorn.

At the last count Dunkerbeck holds an incredible 40 world titles in the sport, so coming in second meant a huge success for Chris Lockwood.

The 25km downwind marathon race started with 215 registered competitors and 197 starting sailors. Strong contender for the event Peter Volwater did not start the race. Overall not too many big names did participate in the marathon. The conditions in Lancelin were perfect with 26kn winds and a 2.5m swell.

Third fastest in the marathon was Jesper Orth (AUS-10), who was competing in his 11th Lancelin Ocean Classic and also competes on the PWA Slalom tour. In 2010 he was ranked 27th, but made several top 16 results already in his career.

"It's great to be here again. This race is pure enjoyment and the competition again provided top racing," Orth said after the race. Jesper, who was born in Denmark, now lives in Perth and runs a sailrepair loft there.

Let's have a more detailed look on the result of the men's fleet. Daniel Engdahl managed to retain his fourth placing from 2010. First youth across the line was Matthew Gwynne.

The race follows a set zig-zag course of eight legs down the coast, with anchored crayfishing boats acting as marker buoys, starting at the beach at Ledge Point and ending at the beach outside the Endeavour Tavern in Lancelin. The biggest enemy for competitors is fatigue, and other challenges include the crowd of sailors at the start, reef, and just being able to navigate the buoys through the swell.

Many competitors will celebrate with a cold beer at the Endeavour Tavern at the end of the race - but not all as several of the elite racers are competing in the wave sailing competition held over due to yesterday's light wind conditions.

Top contenders in the wave sailing include last year's winner Perth's Ben Severne. Severne said his biggest threat in this year's competition would be 20-year-old Jaeger Stone from Geraldton, WA. Past winner and European Champion Peter Volwater, who did not compete in the long distance race, will also be tough to beat.

The Lancelin Ocean Classic wraps up on Sunday with the high-speed Slalom events.

Presented by KineticIT, The Lancelin Ocean Classic has been held since 1986 and is Australia's longest-running windsurfing event. It is made possible thanks to the enthusiastic Lancelin community, Eventscorp, Bendigo Bank, Endeavour Tavern, Shire of Gingin, 92.9, and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Lancelin's population of 800 can swell to more than 4000 over the four days of the event with competitors, spectators, media and supporters descending on the crayfishing town, which boasts long stretches of white sand beaches ideal for all forms of watersports and water-based activities.

For event details visit www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au