The WA triathlon community is buzzing with excitement and anticipation ahead of the Austal Tiger Snake Classic Triathlon this Sunday, 1 October 2023. This race is the first State Series event of the new season, and also doubles as the Standard Distance State Championship.
HMAS Stirling will once again welcome the WA triathlon community to the unique and exclusive Garden Island Naval Base, with triathletes from all over the state are converging for a thrilling showdown.
The Tiger Snake Classic is renowned for its spectacular course including a 1.5km harbour swim with a backdrop of submarines and frigates, and a 40km cycle on completely closed, smooth roads. The 10km run course will take athletes through the wharf precinct before crossing the finish line at the sports pavilion and main oval.
While the windy and wet weather is set to be a test of the competitors resilience, the excited spirit of the community remains undampened.
Best of luck to all athletes competing!!
THE MALE ELITE FIELD PREVIEW
Race morning will kick off with the Open Male wave, which boasts an impressive line up of 22 athletes – many of whom have plenty of experience and a few wins under their belt.
Among them is the recently crowned Sunshine Coast IRONMAN 70.3 Champion, Nick Thompson (UWA), who will certainly put up an excellent fight for top spot.
Matt Burton (Oceanic), James Martin (Mandurah) and Simon Billeau (Stadium) are all known for their impressive cycling skills, meaning they may have an advantage when combatting crosswinds on the cycle course.
Young guns Reece Harris (Mandurah), Daniel Buis (North Coast), Rowan Kerr (XTR), Harry Sinclair (UWA), and non-members Andrew Lockwood, Karl Haugg, Noah Tonkin, and Marcus Wirth will all give the older athletes a run for their money.
Kurt Wesley will be one to watch as he looks to compete with sister and fellow North Coast team mate Aleisha for the fastest Wesley sibling on course.
Tried and true triathletes David Cowlishaw (non-club), Paul Mackay (ADF), James Lewin (Stadium) and fellow competitors Hayden Thorpe (non-member), William Finlay (Perth), Ryan Aberle (non-member), Joshua Fearnley (non-member) and Joseph Laurendi (Mandurah) round out the field.
THE FEMALE ELITE FIELD PREVIEW
A small but strong female field of 6 is set to take on the Tiger Snake course in the second wave of the day, and features some of WA’s best and brightest women in triathlon.
Reigning Open Triathlete of the Year and 2022 Tiger Snake Champion Aleisha Wesley (North Coast) is the top seeded female. With a quick swim and well rounded multisport skills, she may very well take home another win.
Following a third place in this race and some excellent results last season, Sian Munks (UWA) is back to try again for the Tiger Snake crown. Previously a runner, Sian has the skills to really set the pace on the final stretch.
U23 triathletes Indie Arbuckle (XTR) and Madi Toovey (North Coast) both have plenty of race experience behind them. Madi has been focused and consistent in her training so far this season, as she continues her build for her first 70.3 in December, which should shine through in her Tiger Snake performance. Indie has been balancing the high demands of tertiary study alongside her training, but her determination and passion will help drive her on to the finish line.
2023 Busselton 100 third placer and excellent long distance athlete Khloe Healy (non-member) rounds out the female field.
AGE GROUP FIELD PREVIEW
A number of 2022/23 State Champions will be returning to defend their title as Age Group king or queen of Standard Distance.
Victoria Gill (Stadium), Emma Moon (Phoenix), Eve O’Hare (XTR), Ann-Marie Potts (North Coast), Pip Laufmann (Stadium), Lise Ashton (Fremantle), Loic Draoulec (Stadium), Barry Williamson (Mandurah), Andrew Johns (Bunbury), Barry Silverlock (North Coast) will be amongst the contenders for the crown.
The support from family, friends, and fellow triathletes is expected to be a driving force behind the athletes impressive performances as they tackle the course.
If you’re not participating, don’t miss the chance to witness the epic race on the base. Spectators will be treated to a thrilling day of competition, scenic views, and a vibrant atmosphere. So pack your rain gear, your pom poms, and your best cheering voice.
Remember you cannot get onto the island without a wristband for security reasons, so don’t forget to grab one for spectators at race pack pickup. More info: https://www.tigersnakeclassic.com/spectator-information