Ironman Matt Bevilacqua has claimed his second Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold seven years after his first, while Ironwoman Electra Outram has made the 25.6 format her own with back-to-back titles at Coolangatta Beach today.

For Bevilacqua, the win ends one of the longest-running surf sports rivalries with the King of the Gold, Ali Day, who retired following the 2025/26 season. Since his maiden Gold title in 2019, Bevilacqua has finished runner-up to Day in each of the past four editions, including a 53-second margin in last year’s inaugural 25.6km race. With Day now retired, Bevilacqua became the first champion of the post-Day era, crossing the line in 2:28:15 hours, 14 seconds ahead of Sean Rielly (2:28:29 hours).

The veteran of the field, 34 year old Bevilacqua proved age is no barrier and he still has plenty of give to the sport.

“It’s been seven years since I won this race, and I’ve obviously got a family now… and I’m a dad now as well. Brielle [partner] is an awesome team mate, and she’s supported me so well and Beau [son] is just motivational – but I try not to think about him when I’m out there racing because I get too emotional,” he said.

The new 25.6 format and the testing conditions, with a tricky shorey and strong winds, kept racing close throughout, with the lead in the men’s changing at several points throughout.  Bevilacqua timed his run home well, always in the mix with the lead pack and making his move in the board leg.

“It was just a crazy battle out there (with Sean). The pack would just bunch back up, and the atmosphere was just insane, the crowd was deafening every time. Super happy to get one over Sean Rielly like that, he’s going to win a few. I was hanging on for dear life at some points.

“It was definitely my ideal conditions, there was a bit of action in the ocean and I actually just love being part of races where there is surf. It’s why we do it, and it’s why we’re out there saving lives in hectic surf. To put your skills to the test, and be ready each time you go out into the ocean, it’s just an awesome tactical race to be a part of,” he said.

In the Ironwoman Outram remains the only woman to have won the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold since it was reshaped into the 25.6km format, backing up her breakout 2025 victory with a 2:47:02 hours win today, just over one minute clear of Charlotte Hart (2:48:07).

“I’m really excited to be able to defend my title. It’s such a hard race and it’s tough going out there.

“My run and my board are my strongest legs, so my race plan was to conserve energy early on and not spend too many biccies, and then come on really hard at the end when everyone else is starting to fall apart,” she said.

The 25 year old Ironwoman overcame a bout of illness last week and was able to reset ahead of the opening race of summer.

“There’s always a little bit of pressure when you are the defending title holder, however I was sick last week, so I kind of went back to ground zero and went out there to race without any expectations on myself, and I think that really helped me push through at the end.

“Going into the Series it is a great confidence boost, it will give me a little bit more of a pep in my step going into Rounds 2 & 3 in Thirroul in a couple of weeks,” she said.

The Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 25.6 forms part of the Iron Series, which will now switch to short course racing over summer, with six rounds, three weekends of summer racing.

Rounds 2 & 3: Thirroul, NSW

Enduro: November 14, 2026

Super Sprint: November 15, 2026

Round 4 & 5: Newcastle, NSW

The Specialist: January 9, 2027

Eliminator: January 10, 2027

Round 6 & 7: Surfers Paradise, QLD

Super Sprint: February 6, 2027

Grand Eliminator: February 7, 2027