Jess Learmonth Relieved To Win After Painful Regrets

Championship 2021

London 5 Sep 2021

Jess Learmonth admitted she was relieved to get a memorable win at Super League Triathlon London – after briefly regretting turning up.

Learmonth headed an all-British women’s podium as Super League hit the UK for the first time to kick off a four race, back-to-back global Championship Series.

The SLT Arena Games Rotterdam 2020 champion was again in imperious form and was roared to victory but a huge home crowd, just weeks after her gold medal winning heroics as part of Great Britain’s all-conquering Mixed Relay team.

She said: “At the end of Stage 2, I actually briefly started to regret coming! It was so hard and boiling hot that it was horrendous, especially on the run course and its cobbles.

“I was hoping for the best on some of the bike leg’s tight corners, and I think I took too many risks. It was carnage out there.

“But I think I loosened up on the final swim and gave my legs a rest, and I’m now looking forward to the next few weekends.”

Learmonth finished just ahead of fellow Mixed Relay gold medalist and close friend Georgia Taylor-Brown, who crashed during the bike discipline on Stage 2 of the Triple Mix.

Super League London Womens Race — LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: during the Womens Pro Race at Super League Triathlon London event at West India Quay on September 04 2021 in London, England. (Darren Wheeler – That Cameraman/SuperLeague)

“It’s a great course and was so nice to have crowds again,” said Taylor-Brown. “The crash was my fault as I didn’t take my feet out of my shoes very well, I just needed to make it back to transition with all my equipment!”

Rio Olympic bronze medallist Vicky Holland rounded out the British women’s podium and admitted she had even considered not starting.

She said: “I was feeling unwell ahead of the race and even discussed dropping with Eagles coach Tim Don, so I’m really happy with my result. I couldn’t have done any better racing against Jess and Georgia, who are always amazing performers, and to have a British clean sweep and points for the Eagles was great.”