Minister tri-ing for more

Jones’ 2020 vision includes Gold Coast showpiece

THE Queensland Government has committed to working with Triathlon Australia to secure “high-value events” for the Gold Coast as elite athletes plead for the governing body to fight for the World Triathlon Series to return to Australia.

The Gold Coast successfully hosted the WTS grand final at the weekend and had held a round of the elite series since 2015 but is not included on next year’s calendar and no WTS event will be held in Australia in a blow to athletes.

Ashleigh Gentle, who won the grand final on Saturday in her home town in the greatest result of her career, said the Gold Coast event was among the best in the world.

“It’s been really great and so well supported. I think the Commonwealth Games has really helped that,” she said.

“In years past, the crowds definitely weren’t as good as they were this year so it’s actually incredible the effect of the Commonwealth Games.”

But not having a round in Australia next year was a blow.

“Next year the schedule has constant hops from Europe to Canada back to Asia with a test event thrown in there for the (2020) Tokyo Olympics,” Gentle said.

“It’s very challenging, especially for us Australians.”

Triathlon Australia will actively pursue an Australian venue for 2020 and beyond.

Queensland is not off the table, with the Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones saying she would look to work with the sport.

“Major events are an important part of our strategy to grow the Gold Coast’s tourism industry,” she said. “We saw over the weekend how much support there is for triathlon here on the Coast.

“Through Tourism and Events Queensland we have a great relationship with Triathlon Australia.

“I’m more than happy to work with Triathlon Australia to do whatever possible to secure more high-value triathlon events for the Coast.”