Birtwhistle enjoys his stress-free Noosa win
JAKE Birtwhistle says he is glad to be avoiding the stress of discretionary selection as the battle for the final two Gold Coast Commonwealth Games spots goes down to the wire.
Birtwhistle won automatic selection in April after finishing fifth in the World Triathlon Series race on the Coast.
But he is the only Australian man to seal his place, with the remaining contenders having to rely on the discretion of selectors when they meet to nominate the team by next Monday. While yesterday’s Noosa triathlon was not a selection event, the Tasmanian underlined his class, beating a crack field to take his first title in the famous race.
The 22-year-old had sealed third and second placings in the past two years and was thrilled to be able to add his name to a who’s who of Australian triathletes that have won the famous race.
“This is definitely one of the biggest (wins of my career), Noosa is a race that everyone wants to do and wants to win,” he said.
“Especially us Aussies, it’s one we grow up watching and idolising the champions of this event, so it’s amazing to be here and finally add my name to that list of amazing triathletes.”
While he looks up to the likes of Gold Coasters Courtney Atkinson and Craig Walton, who etched themselves into Noosa history with multiple wins in the famous race, Birtwhistle showed he deserved to be in their company after beating a deep field including Olympians Aaron Royle and Ryan Bailie, who he beat into the minor placings.
The pair are locked in a battle with Gold Coasters Luke Willian (fifth yesterday) and Matt Hauser – who did not compete yesterday – for the final two spots at the Commonwealth Games.
“I’d say this for sure was the most stacked field I’ve raced at Noosa,” said Birtwhistle.