Hayden Wilde showed his bike-run pedigree to take the win in a new course record at the 2023 Noosa Triathlon, as he took down home favourite Matthew Hauser in the process.
The Kiwi, who will also line up at IRONMAN 70.3 Melbourne this month, was made to work hard for the win, but kept his cool under pressure and came out on top with a surge on the final part of the bike and a strong run to hold off Hauser.
Crediting the event, which was celebrating his 40th anniversary, Wilde said that the race down at Noosa Heads lived up to his expectations, and that schedule permitting, he can’t wait to be back next year.
“The atmosphere was epic”
Reflecting on his victory, Wilde was full of praise for the course, crowds and competition, as the Olympic bronze medalist thanked his opponents for pushing him to the course record.
“I’m stoked, the day was awesome, the atmosphere was epic. It didn’t disappoint, everyone was talking about the Noosa Tri and how awesome it is and finally I’m here myself and got to really experience the feelings. The course is amazing, the roads were just pristine out there and just made us ride so fast.
“The boys didn’t give it to me easy. The experience, even though we’re all suffering out there, even the people racing were giving me a good cheer, the vibe out there was awesome and to get a course record was truly epic.
“I couldn’t have done it without the boys out there today, they really pushed me, and this is what I needed to do. The support was awesome the whole way home and that last kilometre, I couldn’t hear myself it was absolutely epic.
“It’s always nice to beat the Aussies, we lost a couple of sports against them over the past couple of months so yeah it was nice to bring it home, especially in Australia, we have that rivalry but we love each other at the end of the day and it’s just nice the camaraderie of everyone coming together here and I was really stoked.”
Ready for next year?
With his eyes set on the course record before the race, Wilde was pleased to meet his target, adding that if he makes the trip out next year and nails his transitions, he may go even faster.
“It was really nice getting under the course record, that’s what I was actually aiming to come here for so I’m absolutely stoked, the atmosphere was amazing and really happy to bring it home.
“If the schedule permits and if it’s around this time next year, before the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, I think it would actually be a really good teaser before that race.
“Hopefully I’ll be back here next year to give it another crack and if I don’t mess up transition, next year I can go a little bit faster!”
