GENTLE’S ON COURSE
ASHLEIGH Gentle says Flora Duffy will go into the Commonwealth Games as the gold medal favourite for the women’s triathlon – and that’s exactly how the Aussie likes it.
The Gold Coaster got her first look at the 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run course to be used for the Games when it was unveiled yesterday.
Gentle finished second in the World Triathlon Series behind 2016 and 2017 champion and Bermuda representative Duffy in a breakthrough year for the 26-year-old.
Gentle – the only person to beat Duffy this year – was happy to heap pressure on her rival while forging a plan to beat the world champion on the big stage in 182 days.
“(Duffy) pretty much had a perfect season ... the pressure is on her and that’s definitely fine with me,” Gentle said.
“She has been racing really well and deserves that too. Whether she likes that or not she is the favourite and I just hope that there will be 10 times more people cheering for me rather than her.
“Racing at home is definitely underestimated and makes a big difference. When you’re hurting in triathlon and you have people screaming your name you find another gear for sure.”
The men’s and women’s individual triathlon races will be on April 4 while the inaugural paratriathlon and mixed team relay will be held on April 7.
Gentle’s successful year has come on the back of her decision to link up with renowned coach Jamie Turner – who trained Rio gold medallist Gwen Jorgensen – in January.
The Rio Olympian, who finished ninth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, said she had become a more dynamic competitor, improving in all disciplines while steeling her mental resolve.
“There has been so many things I have learnt this year,” Gentle said.
“I’m a bit more of a dynamic racer and ready for whatever course there is.”
The Games course is similar to the one used in the Gold Coast leg of the World Triathlon Series. The northern end of Southport’s Broadwater Parklands will host the start, finish and transitions, with the bike and run legs to head north along a flat, technical route.
Gentle said it will give spectators the chance to see triathletes produce some fast racing in what will be the first sprint distance run at a major games.