Gentle extends Noosa reign as records fall
Breakfast bubbles kicked off the first bachelorette party celebrations for Ashleigh Gentle after a record Noosa Triathlon title, while Charlie Quin shocked a star field by winning the men’s race in record time.
Gentle (one hour, 57 minutes, 26 seconds) took the eighth consecutive title and ninth overall on a scorching Sunshine Coast Sunday morning, mowing Amelia Watkinson (1: 58.32) during the race leg.
It capped off a fantastic year for the two-time Olympian, who ditched the shorter route scene after a disappointing campaign in Tokyo and found instant success on the Professional Triathlete Organization’s lucrative middle distance tour.
Now she will get up, a bachelorette party in Noosa ahead of her November wedding with triathlete boyfriend Josh Amberger and a well-deserved rest.
“I’m in a very different place than last year, I feel like a completely different person,” said before watering Watkinson and third-placed Hannah Knighton (1:59, 57), sparkling wine.
After a 1.5km swim race and an awkward 40km bike stage, Gentle recovered nearly 50 seconds in just a few kilometers and was able, to some extent, to collect victory for the final stages of 10. km of home.
“A little, but I suffered enough; my ham hurts, my calf hurts … my body is starting to crumble on me to be honest, “she said.
“I have gone further than I have in a long time this year, so I appreciate that it has taken me this far.”
Quin (1:43:12) surprised himself with the biggest win of his career, knocking out Max Neumann, fourth at Ironman Hawaii, by 36 seconds while two-time winner Jake Birtwhistle still had 16 seconds left. delay.
Neumann was disqualified after the race for failing to follow the course instructions regarding the placement of the time chip, as a result Josh Ferris finished third.
26-year-old Quin’s time was 61 seconds faster than four-time champion Craig Walton’s 1997 record, while Birtwhistle also finished ahead of the old brand.
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years and haven’t won many races, but when you work so hard and feel a win, it’s automatic, something takes you over the finish line,” said Quin, fourth in the standings. in Noosa last year. AAP.
His victory came despite persistent back problems, tendonitis and stress fractures early in his career.
“I thought about giving away sport, many times I thought I didn’t have what it takes,” he said.
“But it proves it’s worth it. It’s been a long way, but I hope this football can kickstart my career ”.