Ashleigh Gentle out for historic 10th title

Two-time Australian Olympian Ashleigh Gentle is out to claim history at this weekend’s Garmin Noosa Triathlon as she attempts to win her 10th title at the 40th anniversary event.

Gentle has had an incredible year of racing overseas, with victories at the highest level in Singapore, Malaysia and Andorra, finishing on the podium in every race she’s contested.

“It’s been two years now doing middle-distance racing so it’s kind of flown by really, it’s been amazing, I had a lot of success last year and it was nice to be able to go back this year and still have some success and build upon it,” said Gentle. “I feel like I definitely got stronger this year, I feel like I learnt a lot last year and was able to put more into practice this year, it’s been great to be able to keep building and I feel like I’ve got some really good momentum behind me and I’m pretty excited to celebrate the 40th year in Noosa with everyone.”

The 32-year-old has dominated the women’s race at the world’s largest Olympic-distance triathlon for the last decade, claiming nine titles in the last 10 years and is excited by the chance to challenge for the win again on Sunday.

“It’s pretty crazy how that’s aligned. Of all the years, the 40th year is the one I’m trying to go for my 10th title, it’s so surreal, I kind of think to myself how am I even old enough to have nine titles already, I feel like I’m still young at heart but I have been doing it a long time,” she said. “I’m super excited, it’s a great field and that’s always expected for each year but especially the 40th year, but it’s the same as every year for me, just do what I can do on the day. I think no matter how tired I am or how worried I am about my fitness, at the end of the year I generally always have something special for Noosa Tri and I really hope to be able to bring some of that magic back this year.

“It would be the perfect way to finish the season, I always just want to do my best but there’s no doubt it would be extremely special if I was able to do that. This week it’s just about enjoying it all and soaking up the atmosphere and having a good time and celebrating the year of 2023,” said Gentle.

There are a host of athletes out to make sure that Gentle doesn’t have it all her own way on Sunday, including fellow Olympian Jaz Hedgeland and IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race winners Amelia Watkinson, Fenella Langridge, Sarah Crowley and Lotte Wilms, along with a host of up and coming challengers.

Fellow Australian Natalie Van Coevorden returns to Noosa for the first time since finishing second back in 2019, and is looking forward to being on the start line once again.

“I was away overseas from January this year and returned home just two weeks ago. I think like many athletes it’s not just the physical tiredness of the season but the mental aspect also with the Olympic cycle in full swing, everything starts to catch up with you,” said Van Coevorden. “Coming back home has given me a new spark and jumping into the non-drafting side of our sport, I feel like I have some new goals, one of them giving the win in Noosa my best chance. I will be finishing my season here in Noosa and with IRONMAN 70.3 Melbourne the weekend following.

“With the restrictions of Covid and being based overseas the past few years I haven’t had the chance to come back since 2019. Every year I have been from afar, I only think of good memories from Noosa and I hope I can create more this week on the 40th anniversary of the Noosa Triathlon,” she said. “The atmosphere of Noosa is iconic, and I think that’s what brings people back every year. Being surrounded by over 10,000 people with a similar passion, from first timers to the pro’s, it’s a feeling like no other. The week of Noosa with all the events creates a community feeling and I feel like we can unite doing things we all love.”

Great Britain’s Fenella Langridge is getting her first taste of the Noosa Triathlon this week, with the multiple-time IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 podium finisher soaking it all in.

“This is our first time in Australia and it’s living up to the hype,” said Langridge. “Beautiful place with beautiful people and some cracking coffee. Noosa really is a hot spot for sport and a triathlete’s playground, I’m having a great time.

“This will be my first Olympic-distance race in a very long time so I have some nerves. Because I’m pretty certain half or a quarter of the distance doesn’t mean a quarter of the pain, if anything it will be more,” she said. “But nerves are good, it means the race means something and I want to perform well and enjoy this amazing experience. This race is legendary across the pond.”

Sunday’s 40th running of the Noosa Triathlon will see thousands of athletes taking on a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run.

Noosa Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

2023 Garmin Noosa Triathlon – Women’s Elite Race Start List

1 Ashleigh Gentle AUS

2 Natalie Van Coevorden AUS

3 Amelia Watkinson NZL

4 Charlotte McShane AUS

5 Jaz Hedgeland AUS

6 Fenella Langridge GBR

7 Sarah Crowley AUS

8 Kira Hedgeland AUS

9 Milan Agnew AUS

10 Paige Cranage AUS

11 Hanne De Vet BEL

12 Emily Donker AUS

14 Jessica Ewart-McTigue AUS

15 Richelle Hill AUS

16 Hannah Knighton NZL

17 Sophie Malowiecki AUS

18 Mikayla Messer AUS

19 Lotte Wilms AUS

20 Charlotte Derbyshire AUS