2024 T100 Triathlon World Tour runner-up Ashleigh Gentle had a race to forget at the 2025 series opener in Singapore, an event she had won on the previous two occasions it was held.
The Australian had romped to victory in the then PTO Asian Open in 2023 before replicating her success a year later, and was hopeful of a third triumph in the stifling conditions on Saturday.
However, it was not to be for the 34-year-old as she struggled to keep pace with the head of the field before eventually finishing sixth – almost 10 minutes behind T100 debutant Kate Waugh.
Gentle reflects on ‘shocking day’
Gentle took to Instagram to give her fans an insight into her performance in Singapore, stating that she didn’t feel herself.
“A decent swim, but overall a shocking day for me yesterday, I had absolutely nothing on that bike and run,” Ash explained.
“I’m sad that I didn’t feel myself out there, especially in a race where I can usually thrive. The roller coaster of sport and racing is brutal!
“Thankfully I have plenty of time to rest, reset and get ready for the next one. Congratulations to all the women who got through that one, especially @kate__waugh who had an amazing win.”
Without the irrepressible Taylor Knibb in the field, the American withdrew from the event due to personal reasons, Gentle had started a strong favourite to at least podium.
However it was the ‘Hot Shots’ and ‘Wildcards’ who stole the show at the weekend with Waugh claiming victory, Austria’s Lisa Perterer picking up second and US Olympic star Taylor Spivey earning a top five-finish.
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