Search
shop

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup victory for Ashleigh Gentle

Australia's 2018 Grand Final winner, Ashleigh Gentle, matched her start number at today's Moolooba ITU Triathlon World Cup to take a 'home' win in Queensland
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

‘Home’ win for race favourite Ashleigh Gentle in Mooloolaba, Australia

She started with bib #1, and finished the race first too. A good day for Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle at Saturday’s Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup. Having been part of the victorious Australian Mixed Relay team last weekend in Abu Dhabi, that’s a solid start to the 2019 season for her.

Here is the extended report from the race courtesy of ITU Media.

(CLICK HERE FOR THE ELITE MEN’S REPORT)


Conditions were typical for Queensland being hot and humid however the surf was not favourable for those hoping to catch a few waves back into shore.

47-women lined up on the beach to attack the 750m swim, among them were Olympians, World Triathlon Series and World Cup champions. And it was no surprise that Australia’s Emma Jeffcoat, who is renowned for her swim set-up coming from an Australian surf background, led the women around the buoys, back onto the beach and into the first transition of the race.

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup 2019 - Emma Jeffcoat

Jeffcoat was followed closely by fellow Australian team members Kelly-Ann Perkins, Natalie Van Coervorden and America’s Tamara Gorman. The group of women produced a quick transition and entered the bike course together.

Jeffcoat, Perkins, Van Coervorden and Gorman established a 21-second lead out on lap-1 of the bike and were being chased by a cluster of women being drive by Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle. By the second lap of the somewhat technical bike course the two front groups formed together and now included all the big names and race contenders.

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup 2019

By the final lap of the bike course in Mooloolaba it was obvious that this World Cup battle was going to come down to a blazing running race. The question still remained as to who had the power and run legs to bring the race home and take the tape.

Tactics were crucial for the second transition, as the frenzy of elite women headed out to attack the hilly 5km run course of Mooloolaba. With podium places still up for the taking, it was Australia’s Van Coervorden, who produced a firing transition to take an early lead, for the run portion. Moments later and still in the early stage of the run, Gentle, the top seeded female leading into today’s race, made a comfortable move to take control of the race.

A strong field of elite women were hot on the Australian’s heels, including America’s Renee Tomlin and Italy’s Angelica Olmo.

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup 2019 - Sophie Corbridge, Renee Tomlin

By the final lap of the run, it was evident that this was Gentle’s race. The Australian was able to extend her lead to cross the finish line and be awarded the gold medal. 2019 marked a maiden win in Mooloolaba for Gentle who was elated with her race performance today. “It was really tough. I knew it was going to be a big ask to back up after Abu Dhabi last weekend. I am really happy and a little bit surprised to be honest”, she said..

“Racing at home here in Queensland was really special to me today and I am really grateful for the support I get from my fellow Queenslanders so I really wanted to come back and race on home soil. Seeing some familiar faces here in Queensland today reminded me of why I started triathlon. I will do a training camp now in Perisher, Australia, before going over to America and then race the next World Triathlon Series race in Bermuda,” said Gentle.

Only six-seconds behind Gentle, Tomlin claimed the silver medal for America and Olmo, who took home a bronze medal in 2018, crossed the finish line in third place representing Italy on the podium.

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup – Saturday 16th March 2019
750m / 20km / 5km

1st – Ashleigh Gentle (AUS) – 58:15
2nd – Renee Tomlin (USA) – 58:21
3rd – Angelica Olmo (ITA) – 58:25
4th – Jolanda Annen (SUI) – 58:31
5th – Alexandra Razarenova (RUS) – 58:33

29th – Gillian Sanders (RSA) – 1:00:47

Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup 2019 - Ashleigh Gentle, Renee Tomlin, Angelica Olmo

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...