Macca's Verdict: I Want Henri To Win To Crown A Fairytale Return

Henri Schoeman faces another stern examination on his comeback from injury as he faces the King Of Arena Games, Justus Nieschlag, in Switzerland.

Schoeman’s incredible return to finish second in the first event of the World Championship Series in Montreal meant there was little to be gained by entering Arena Games Triathlon powered by Zwift Switzerland, which takes place at the CAMPUS Sursee Sportarena on Sunday (19:00 local time).

With one Series event plus the final in London counting for the Series title, he must win to better his Montreal effort. However, he wants to keep the momentum rolling and to measure himself against Nieschlag, a two-time Arena Games winner and a man who has never finished off the podium in five appearances in this format.

So just how does that battle play out? And how is Henri looking for the rest of his season? We asked triathlon great and SLT Co-Founder Chris McCormack for his views. Here’s what he had to say:

Henri’s had an incredible comeback and I think he will build a lot of momentum if he can win Arena Games.

He does have a tough day ahead of him because there are particularly some very strong German athletes in the field, especially Justus Nieschlag.

We have seen many times in the past how difficult he is to beat because his swim is so strong but Henri has the advantage that many athletes do not because he can match that in the water. They are for sure the two to watch.

Justus Nieschlag wins the SLT Arena Games for Super League Triathlon

The thing I love about indoor racing is the ability to use your skills and those turns coming off the wall which makes it tough for athletes who are fatiguing.

On the bike it is always about power to weight as we saw with Lionel Sanders and the way he moved up.

I think Henri will do some great things. I am yet to be convinced but I think size does matter when it comes to getting those treadmills up to speed. Henri is quite a small lad but he does seem to be able to get the treadmill up to speed.

I would like to see him win. He’s a great athlete, a great talent and just to come back from adversity like that would be a great story and I would love to see him take that momentum all the way through to the Championship Series.

On the women’s side Zsanett is the woman to beat. Her swim is so strong, her bike is aso strong and we saw in Singapore last year how amazing she can be.