Several major roads and car parks will be impacted by the 40th running of the world’s largest Olympic-distance triathlon on Sunday.
Key thoroughfares at Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin, Tinbeerwah and Cooroy will be affected by the Noosa Triathlon Festival, while an estimated 8000 participants navigate a 10km run course and 40km bike course.
Noosa Parade, Noosa Drive, Hastings Street, Weyba Road, Cooroy-Noosa Road, Gympie Terrace, Hilton Terrace and Poinciana Avenue are among the main roads that will be closed.
Car parking will also be an issue, particularly at Noosa Heads, where the 1.5km swim course, festival hub and the start and finish line will be.
There will be free shuttle buses running from the Noosa Rugby Club, the AFL grounds on Weyba Road and The J Theatre.
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About 13,000 people are set to take part in events during the festival, and many more are expected to cheer them on.
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Noosa Triathlon was a key event on the state event calendar.
“It’s terrific to see the triathlon powering into its 40th year in Noosa with competitors and spectators tipped to generate up to $27 million for accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators,” he said.
Nine-time champion Ashleigh Gentle will try to defend her crown.
“It’s pretty crazy how it’s aligned,” she said.
“Of all the years, the 40th year is the one I’m trying to go for my 10th title. It’s so surreal.
“I kind of think to myself how am I even old enough to have nine titles already.
“I feel like I’m still young at heart but I have been doing it a long time.
“I’m super excited. I think no matter how tired I am or how worried I am about my fitness at the end of the year, I generally always have something special for the Noosa Tri and I really hope to be able to bring some of that magic back this year.
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