Cycle Race
Following Australia's hosting of the World Road Cycling Championships, last Saturday's road race included recently crowned under-23 world champion, Michael Matthews, and team pursuit world champions Jack Bobridge and Michael Hepburn. All these riders were in fine form and at the top of their season, having peaked for the Worlds and Commonwealth Games. But it was recently crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Allan Davis, who took out the title, with Peta Mullens winning the women's race.
The 5km Noosa Bolt brings together the distance running elite in Australia. Australian 10km record holder Collis Birmingham won his third Bolt title. Sydney's Lara Tamsett took the women's title after the withdrawal of defending champion Lisa Corrigan with injury just seconds before the start. Tamsett held off former Olympic athlete Georgie Clark.
Noosa Triathlon
The big one for this multi sport event is the Noosa Triathlon. This comprises a 1.5km swim in the Noosa canals, followed by a 40km bike ride around the streets and Sunshine Coast hinterland, followed by a 10km run around Noosa Sound. This triathlon is one of the largest in the world, attracting 8000 competitors.
In the men's event, Australia's own Courtney Atkinson won his third title. Atkinson made his move in the 10km run, catching and easily passing the lead pack.
Switzerland's Caroline Steffen had been training in Noosa and her local knowledge paid off with an easy win over Aussie Ashleigh Gentle.
Among the 8000 other competitors were V8 drivers Garth Tander and former Olympic champion Susie O'Neil. From the elite athlete, down to the fitness enthusiast, this multi sports event, over the past 27 years, has become a major event on the Australian sporting calendar.