Australia's biggest multi-sport event - the Noosa Triathlon - is aiming for even more competitors by starting with an ocean swim off their iconic beach.
Organisers have announced that from next year, Noosa's Olympic-distance triathlon will kick off in the waves instead of the nearby canals where it's begun for the past 31 years.
From just 180 competitors in 1983, when wetsuits were banned and cyclists got lost on the hilly 40km bike leg, more than 8000 will race this weekend in elite, group-age and team tri events.
Ironman Asia-Pacific chief executive Geoff Meyer said Noosa's sand and swell would attract even more competitors.
"It's one of the world's best beaches," Meyer said.
"For us to move that swim across to the beach it would be one fantastic for the athletes, fantastic for the spectators, the global audience (would be excited by it) and it keeps allowing us to grow the event as well."
The move met with a thumbs-up from defending champion Aaron Royle.
"There's nothing that says Australia better than a beach start," he said.
Meyer also announced a 30 per cent increase in prizemoney for the 2015 event with the male and female winners to take home $15,000 each from a $75,000 prize pool.
Sunday's event will see Commonwealth Games teammates Royle and Ashleigh Gentle start as strong favourites with both looking to take their second Noosa crowns.
Five-time national champion and 2006 Melbourne Games gold-medallist Brad Kahlefeldt will be one of Royle's biggest challengers as he aims to fill one hole on his Olympic distance resume.
Now focusing on 70.3 racing, the 35-year-old Gold Coaster's improved cycling ability from the longer 90km legs over the half-ironman distance will be a key to him chasing down Royle on the non-drafting 40km circuit.
"I'd like to push for the podium, it depends on where I come out after the swim," he told AAP.
"Without a doubt Aaron is a favourite."
Gentle will be challenged by Mel Hauschildt, Kiwi Nicky Samuels, Swiss Caroline Steffen and Kahlefeldt's Czech partner Radke Vodickova in the women's race.
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