Macca’s Predictions: Can Jonny Brownlee Oust Vincent Luis And Will Katie Zaferes Win Again In Jersey?

Column by 4x World Champion Chris McCormack

Jess Learmonth and Vincent Luis are well on top after two races of Super League Triathlon’s 2021 Championship Series, and face a crucial race in Jersey as they aim to secure the titles.

It’s arguably an even bigger day for those chasing them as they know they must make their moves heading into the finale in Malibu. The Enduro format see three continuous rounds of swim-bike-run, with the two Short Chutes being awarded after the opening swim and T1 and bike and T1.

So can anyone stop Learmonth and Luis, or will they romp away? Four-time World Champion and Super League Co-Founder Chris McCormack gives us his verdict.

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We are back in Jersey on a course a lot of these athletes have raced before. It’s the Enduro which is my favourite format. This course suits people who have raced here before and the swim is very important.

It’s a very technical course, especially around Thunder Alley when the wind is up and the forecast is for a bit of wind so you have to look for the technical bike riders and those athletes are the best of breed on course.

Men’s

1. Vincent Luis
2. Jonny Brownlee
3. Hayden Wilde

Macca’s View: It’s a course that Vincent Luis has made his own and he’s in huge form coming off of Munich so without question he is the man to beat. The Short Chute will come into play and he will chase it.

I think Jonny Brownlee will come second and chase Vincent for the win. He’s in unbelievable form and I think this course will suit him. He’s done very well here and been defeated by Short Chutes or something not going his way so it’s time for a win.

Then it’s Vasco Vilaca or Hayden Wilde. Last time here Vasco was eliminated very early so he has a point to prove. Those aero bars are coming into play and he’s technically very good and Hayden will be there as well so that will be a tight battle between those two. Marten Van Riel is the other one who could be in the mix.

Women’s

1. Georgia Taylor-Brown
2. Jess Learmonth
3. Katie Zaferes

Macca’s View: Jess Learmonth has made Super League racing her own this year and her performance in Munich was next level and decimated the field. Speaking to Georgia Taylor-Brown she didn’t feel good and looked a lot stronger in London. She’s closer to home and will feel comfortable and if anyone can threaten Jess Learmonth then it’s Georgia.

No one is talking about Katie Zaferes and she’s been right there just off the pace and this is a format she has not lost. She has been isolated in the swim with poor starts but she knows the course very well. The outsiders are Maya Kingma, who will love this bike course, Taylor Spivey, who has a lot to prove, and Rachel Klamer.