Breakfast bubbles have kickstarted early hen's party celebrations for Ashleigh Gentle after a record-extending Noosa Triathlon title while Charlie Quin shocked a star field to win the men's race in record time.
Gentle (one hour, 57 minutes, 26 seconds) won an eighth straight and ninth overall title on a steamy Sunshine Coast Sunday morning, mowing down Amelia Watkinson (1:58.32) on the run leg.
It capped a superb year for the two-time Olympian, who has ditched the shorter course scene after a disappointing Tokyo campaign and had immediate success on the lucrative Professional Triathletes Organisation middle distance tour.
She will put her feet up now, a hen's party in Noosa before a November wedding to triathlete fiance Josh Amberger and some well-earned rest.
"I'm in a very different place to where I was last year, feel like a completely different person," she said before showering Watkinson and third-placed Hannah Knighton (1:59.57) in sparkling wine.
After a cruisy 1.5km swim and uncomfortable 40km bike leg, Gentle made up almost 50 seconds in a few short kilometres and could, to a degree, soak up the victory for the latter stages of the 10km run home.
"A little bit, but I was pretty sore; sore hammy, sore calf ... my body is starting to fall apart on me to be honest," she said.
"I've pushed it more than I have in a long time this year so I'm appreciative it got me this far."
Quin (1:43:12) surprised even himself with the biggest win of his career, holding off Hawaiian Ironman fourth-place Max Neumann by 36 seconds while two-time winner Jake Birtwhistle was a further 16 seconds behind.
Neumann was disqualified post-race after not following on-course instructions related to the placement of his time chip, Josh Ferris bumped up into third as a result.
The 26-year-old Quin's time was a staggering 61 seconds faster than six-time champion Craig Walton's 1997 course record, while Birtwhistle also finished ahead of the old mark.
"I've been doing this for 10 years and haven't won many races but when you work so hard and get a sniff of a win it's automatic, something gets you over the line," Quin, fourth in Noosa last year, told AAP.
His victory came despite persistent back issues, tendonitis and stress fractures in the early stages of his career.
"I've considered giving the sport away, thought a few times I haven't got what it takes," he said.
"But this shows it's worth it. It's been a long road but hopefully this kick starts my career."
