MACCA’S PREDICTIONS: SCORPIONS TO STING AND SHARKS TO SWIM IN MALIBU

Super League Triathlon’s Championship Series is back and everything is on the line ahead of a thrilling third race in Malibu.

After a short hiatus following an action packed start in London and Toulouse, one of the most stacked fields in Super League history descends on Zuma Beach, California, for a crucial race.

With the best two results from the first three events (London, Toulouse and Malibu), plus the Grand Final in NEOM, counting for the Individual Leaderboards, there is much to play for with the majority of athletes needing a good result this weekend to have a shot at the title.

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With Olympic medalists, World Champions and incredible young talent vying for position – and the unpredictable nature of the sea swim – it is so tough to call. That’s why we asked triathlon legend Chris McCormack for his predictions.

MEN

With the surf swim and with the pursuit start at the end in the Eliminator this is always an interesting race.

I will go out there on a limb and put Hayden Wilde in for the win. I think he will take advantage of the bike course, but it will be really tight between Hayden and Matt Hauser.

I think Tayler Reid can do big things as well when the swim is so important. I can already hear a lot people say ‘you’re joking’, but the swim is so important in this format and the surf swim ability of these guys is impeccable.

Hayden Wilde
Matthew Hauser
Tayler Reid

women

The surf swim will make this race. It’s not a lake swim and the beach start also makes it difficult.

I think Kate Waugh can win this thing. She is coming off a high with a remarkable race in the WTCS Grand Final which continued her form from the win in Toulouse.

Cassandre Beaugrand will like this distance and come second and in third place I would go for Sophie Coldwell, who is in conditions she should love. Léonie Périault will be right up there with her run, but I think the swim really sets this race up and the ability to get away.