THE first ever Australian Stihl Timbersports series was proudly welcomed by CRT FarmFest, with Queensland hosting its own state heat over the three-day event.
All competitors had their eye on the prize - a position on the Australian team heading to the Stihl Timbersports World Championships in Poland in November.
Australia has long been a force on the international Stihl Timbersports circuit, holding the title of world champions in the team relay.
The Queensland heat, held at FarmFest, had 10 competitors from across the state battle it out over six disciplines - including the three axe and three saw - for a spot in the final.
All athletes were regulars in local and mainland woodchopping events, which ensured fierce competition throughout the week. First and second place winners automatically went into the final in Bathurst, NSW, in October, while competitors finishing third and fourth battled through a qualifying round for a spot in the final.
Lee Gooch, digital and brand-activation manager for Stihl, said the company was excited to bring the world-renowned event to Australia and have Toowoomba as the first host.
"It's been a long time coming, but now Australian Stihl Timbersports enthusiasts can enjoy a thrilling annual event," Mr Gooch said.
"By having our own series, we open up the playing field to welcome new talent to the sport. Australia has always been a major player in international competitions, so it will be an exciting journey to see just how far we can take this event."
The competition welcomed WA-based series regular Brent Rees to the stage.
The third-generation axe man was competing on the back of his role as part of Team Australia in the 2014 Stihl Timbersports World Championships in Austria, where the four-time 13-inch underhand Australian champion helped his team take home the top trophy.
"I've been doing this for 16 years and I guess it started out with me just wanting to be involved in what my dad was doing, but now it's in my blood," Mr Rees said. "It was a great feeling and I got to chop with guys who I had grown up looking up to in the sport."
Mr Gooch said it had been a very popular stand during FarmFest.
"Stihl Timbersports has been running in the US for 30 years and about 15 years in Europe, so we're a little bit late to the party, but we've set up the qualifying round at FarmFest to bring out the best of the best in timbersports athletes.
"We've had a great reception and the crowd have really liked it. I think it's a little bit different from what people are used to seeing with wood-chopping events, but a lot of people are sticking around and watching the events."
Mr Gooch said the historical connection Australians had to the timber industry had motivated people to continue their involvement in the sport.
"I think everyone loves it, and while it's quite a manly sport and we don't have any women involved in the Stihl Timbersports series yet, we're looking to include rookies and bring a women's series as well down the track."
Knocking two Australian records out of the park on Wednesday was Shane Maxwell in the single-buck saw, beating the record by two seconds to make a new record of 20.37 seconds.
Biggenden local Danny Staib smashed the hot-saw competition at 9.01 seconds.
"The idea of the series is to really kind of elevate the sports - both the traditional and saw series - and we'd love to get some further sponsorship for the guys so they can fund their addiction to the sport."
The 2015 Stihl Timbersports series will now see 40-plus athletes from around the country chop and saw their way through the remaining state heats and the final for one of five places on the Australian team.
