TOP MALE TRIATHLETES READY FOR GARMIN NOOSA TRIATHLON BATTLE

Former champions and Olympic representatives headline the men’s elite race for this Sunday’s Garmin Noosa Triathlon.

The 41^st running of the Noosa Triathlon will see 21 elite men battle for the title, with the event one of the most iconic in the world of triathlon.

Former champions Luke Willian and Jake Birtwhistle are the top seeded Australians and are set to line up alongside the likes of Paris 2024 Olympic Games representative for South Africa Jamie Riddle and Kiwi elite triathlete Tayler Reid.

Willian, who made his Olympic Games debut in Paris this year, was the 2021 Noosa Triathlon champion and is looking forward to returning to the event this week after a massive year of racing around the world.

“I’m feeling excited to see what the body has left after a big year. Hopefully I can hold on for one more, and put myself at the front of the race,” he said. “I love this event, I think for a lot of the pros it marks the end of the season so it’s a rare occasion where we can all come together and race together close to home. The crowds are always amazing and keeps me coming back.”

Willian has had an incredible year, with an Olympic debut and a sixth-place finish in the World Triathlon Championship rankings.

“It has been an amazing year, to finish sixth in the world is something I had only dreamed of achieving until this year,” said Willan. “And with that came the opportunity to represent Australia at the Olympics which was a childhood dream come true and just goes to show, don’t give up on your dreams and keep chasing them. 

“Paris was an amazing experience and one that has left me wanting more and striving towards LA,” he said. “The whole country came out and embraced the whole competition and really showed the best of what Paris has to offer. I don’t think Paris will ever be that way again until they host again in probably 100 years.”

Fellow Australian Jake Birtwhistle is a two-time Noosa Triathlon champion, claiming the title in 2017 and 2019, as well as representing Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“I’m feeling pretty good, I’m looking forward to getting out there and racing again,” said Birtwhistle. “I’ve had a pretty big break between races this year so it’s great to be back, and Noosa is one of my favourites so that is enough to get me excited to race every year. 

“The Noosa Triathlon just has all of the elements needed to create an amazing event,” he said. “A beautiful location, multiple days’ worth of races which creates a great week long atmosphere, and an iconic event with a history of champions to back it up. It’s special to add your name to that winners list, and I want to add mine again.”

South Africa’s Jamie Riddle will be racing at his second Noosa Triathlon after finishing sixth in 2023 and the 24-year-old is looking forward to taking on the competition.

“I’m surprisingly confident. With all the highs that the Olympic Games brought, there were equal lows, so to find myself in such a happy place this late into the year and after so much has already taken place is truly rewarding,” said Riddle. “I went through a difficult period that led me to a complete reframing of what I want out of this sport and how exactly I want to go about achieving my goals. I guess it feels like a mini rebirth of my very short career, or maybe I am just getting old - who knows, but I’m riding this wave straight into the weekend that's for sure.”

Riddle got his first taste of the world-famous Noosa Triathlon last year and is keen for a stronger result this Sunday.

“I competed in last year's edition and the race truly blew me away. I am lucky enough to be able to race all over the world and I think this could be top of the list,” he said. “I found myself sick, without my TT bike and in a very different part of my life last year so I wanted to come back and redeem myself at this iconic race.”

The South African made his Olympic Games debut in Paris, with the experience one that will stay with him forever.

“Paris was extraordinary. My personal performance was slightly disappointing, however that didn't take away from the race itself,” he said. “I have never been a part of anything electrifying in my life - goosebumps stuff. Everything around the race was also an experience itself,  the food, the athletes, the village,  to be included with so many incredible athletes was a surreal feeling.” 

Also set to challenge for the men’s elite title on Sunday is 2022 champion Charlie Quin and reigning Mooloolaba Triathlon champion Caleb Noble.

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

The Garmin Noosa Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Garmin Noosa Triathlon – Elite Men’s Start List

30 – Luke Willian – Australia

31 – Jake Birtwhistle – Australia

32 – Kurt McDonald – Australia

33 – Jamie Riddle – South Africa

34 – Jack Sosinski – Australia

36 – Sebastian Archer – Australia

37 – Joe Begbie – Australia

38 – Dean Cane – Australia

39 – Jack Crome – Australia

40 – Samuel Doggett – Australia

41 – Reece Harris – Australia

42 – Rohan Hickey – Australia

43 – Matt Kerr – New Zealand

44 – Harvey Lanigan – Australia

45 – Daniel Luke – Australia

46 – Caleb Noble – Australia

47 – Charlie Quin – Australia

48 – Tayler Reid – New Zealand

49 – Jordan Rieck – Australia

50 – Jonas Schomburg – Germany

51 – Harry Wiles - Australia