Redmond and Offord Claim Mooloolaba Triathlon Oceania Cup Titles

Lorcan Redmond and Matilda Offord have claimed the men’s and women’s titles in the Mooloolaba Triathlon Oceania Cup, with the two standing out from the competition on Sunday.

Racing was tight around the course, with some of Australia’s top triathletes taking on the 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run in and around Mooloolaba.

Athletes in the Oceania Cup are battling it out for positions at this year’s Commonwealth Games and Under 23 World Championships, leaving it all out on course.

Redmond crossed the finish line on Mooloolaba Esplanade in 1:45:53, almost a minute clear of Luke Bate, with 2021 Noosa Triathlon champion Luke Willian just behind in third.

“I’m super happy to get the job done,” said Redmond. “It was a tough race from the start, there was a group of about six or seven of us out on the bike there and we were just rolling turns on the highway at 40-45 kilometres per hour so it was good fun and then it was just a quick run to finish it off.

“The support was amazing, there were spectators the whole way along, all the cafes had people in there cheering as you went by, it was an amazing atmosphere to have here in Australia,” he said. “It’s been a good start to the year I can’t complain, I’ve got two podiums, I’ve just got to keep the momentum rolling. Next up is a two-week training camp in Coolum and then the Commonwealth Games trial race on the Gold Coast.” 

Sydney’s Matilda Offord was first across the line in the women’s race in 2:00:18, seven seconds clear of Charlotte McShane, with Natalie Van Coevorden just a second behind in third.

Offord’s Mooloolaba Triathlon Oceania Cup victory was her second win for 2022, after standing on the top step of the podium at the Oceania Cup event in Devonport a fortnight ago.

“I’m so excited with this one, I wasn’t expecting it, I’m stoked,” said Offord. “I had an alright swim, came out with a good group of three and then we worked to catch up to the main group. We caught Nat and Sophie and then it was pretty pedestrian and I think anyone could have hung on and then it was just down to the run and I gave it a red hot go at the start.

“I kind of put the gauntlet down early and got a good gap and was able to maintain it,” she said. “It’s super exciting, it’s a long season, the Under 23 World Championship isn’t until the end of the year so I’m just ticking away until then.” 

Offord enjoyed the support out on course, with family and friends cheering her on to victory.

“So exciting, my Mum and Dad are up here and my coach Liam and all of his entourage and it was so exciting to get out there and have a good support crew,” she said.

The Oceania Cup is a part of the 30^th anniversary Mooloolaba Triathlon, with more than 4,000 athletes on course on Sunday.