Kieran Storch and Charlotte McShane are savouring victories at the Mooloolaba Triathlon, which was shortened due to poor water quality.
The former won the men’s title by just five seconds while the latter dominated the women’s race to win by three minutes on Sunday.
The event, which attracted thousands of competitors and provided a boost to the local economy, was essentially shortened to a duathlon due to wild weather.
The 1.5km swim leg was replaced by a short beach run due to poor water quality, after heavy rain in recent days. Competitors then tackled the customary 40km ride and 10km run in humid conditions.
The triathlon festival had been postponed from earlier in the month, when ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred made an impact on the region.
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Storch won the men’s race in 1hr28min12sec, overcoming Kurt McDonald and Jye Spriggs.
“You just have to adapt,” he said after the race format was changed.
“I knew it would be a tough run.
“Kurt tried a couple of attacks to shake me and I was able to just hang on so I’m happy.”
McShane won the women’s race in 1hr45min41sec ahead of Kathryn Krosch and Kerry Morris.
“Even though we weren’t able to swim it was still a super hot, tough race. I’m really happy I was able to take the win in the end,” she said.
The Oceania Triathlon Sprint Championships, which was changed to a 2.5km run, 20km ride and 5km run, was held on Saturday.
Matthew Hauser crossed the line in 49min51sec, more than 30 seconds clear of Luke Schofield and his twin brother Jayden.
“Obviously, we would have loved to have swum … but thankfully the organisers made the safe call and made sure we weren’t sick after the race so that’s great,” he said.
New Zealand’s Nicole Van Der Kaay claimed the women’s title in 57min26sec, ahead of Australian duo Ellie Hoitink and Sophie Malowiecki.
The Mooloolaba Triathlon is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and through Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Sponsorship program.
