Paradise Showdown: Gentle Seeks 11th Crown as Olympic Stars Descend on Noosa
Ten-time champion Ashleigh Gentle faces Olympic-caliber challengers while Luke Willian and Jake Birtwhistle lead a star-studded men's field at Australia's most iconic triathlon.
As the sun rises over Noosa's pristine Main Beach this Sunday, the world's second-largest triathlon will mark its 41st edition with one of its strongest professional fields to date. While the event will welcome thousands of age-groupers to its legendary course, all eyes will be on the elite races where Olympic talent meets local champions in what promises to be an epic showdown.
Shawn Smith
Can Anyone Stop the Gentle Giant?
The women's race storyline writes itself: can anyone finally defeat the seemingly invincible Ashleigh Gentle? With an astounding 10 victories in the last 11 years, Gentle returns to defend her crown yet again. Despite a packed 2024 international schedule that nearly prevented her participation, the queen of Noosa couldn't resist returning to what she calls her "favourite race in the world."
"Myself and my whole family have made it a tradition," Gentle shares, highlighting the personal significance of this event. "It's a part of what we do. All my family is coming to support me." This familial connection to Noosa adds another layer to her remarkable decade of dominance.
However, Gentle isn't taking anything for granted. "At the back of my mind I'm thinking that I hope I'm still fast enough," she admits, acknowledging her recent focus on longer-distance racing. The podium from last year returns in full force, with Sophie Malowiecki and Richelle Hill eager to overthrow the champion.
Adding international flavor to the mix, the women's field includes fresh Olympic talent like Natalie Van Coevorden, fresh from her Paris Games debut, alongside international stars like Netherlands' Lotte Wilms and New Zealand's Nicole Van Der Kaay, a two-time Olympian.
Olympic Firepower Takes Centre Stage
The men's race is shaping up to be a battle royal with former champions and Olympic representatives leading a stacked field of 21 elite athletes. Luke Willian, fresh from his Olympic debut in Paris and an impressive sixth-place finish in the World Triathlon Championship rankings, returns to defend his 2021 title.
"I'm feeling excited to see what the body has left after a big year," Willian says, reflecting on what has been a career-defining season. His Olympic experience in Paris has only fuelled his competitive fire: "Paris was an amazing experience and one that has left me wanting more and striving towards LA."
Shawn Smith
Jake Birtwhistle, a two-time Noosa champion (2017, 2019), returns to challenge for another title. The Tokyo Olympian's experience on this course makes him a serious contender, and his appreciation for the event runs deep. "The Noosa Triathlon just has all of the elements needed to create an amazing event," Birtwhistle explains. "It's special to add your name to that winners list, and I want to add mine again."
Adding international intrigue to the men's race is South Africa's Jamie Riddle, who's back for redemption after a sixth-place finish in 2023. Fresh from his Olympic debut in Paris, Riddle brings new perspective and motivation to this year's race. "I went through a difficult period that led me to a complete reframing of what I want out of this sport," he shares, suggesting we might see a transformed athlete on Sunday.
The Course: A True Test in Paradise
What makes Noosa special isn't just its elite field – it's the course itself. As veteran triathlete Karl Frank describes it, "each leg of the race provides you with something special to treat the senses and challenge your abilities."
Karl Frank
The 1.5km swim in Noosa's crystal-clear waters typically offers perfect conditions, with visibility to the bottom regardless of how far you swim from shore. The 40km bike course, featuring the infamous Garmin Hill, provides what Frank calls "a magical mix of technical turns, scenic climbs, fast straights and one hell of a downhill."
David Deakin
The run course, while technically straightforward, offers what might be the most electric atmosphere in triathlon. As age-group veteran David Deakin notes, "Crossing the finish line feels like a rockstar moment amidst throngs of spectators." The local support is legendary, with residents setting up sprinklers for cooling stations and crowds lining virtually every meter of the course.
