Macca’s Predictions: Hauser, Brownlee, Blummenfelt, Wilde, Bergere…Who Wins?

Super League Triathlon returns to France for a vital race for all those with aspirations to win the Championship Series.

With the best two results from the first three events (London, Toulouse, Malibu), plus the Grand Final counting, all those just entering the fray or on the back of a disappointing result in London know there is no margin for error now.

London race winner Jeanne Lehair, who lives in Toulouse, is hoping to take full advantage of hometown support and conditions. She knows two wins from two puts her in control of the Series, while her Santara Tech Eagles will be a very different proposition with the entrance of superstar athletes, including Emma Lombardi.

Alex Yee is missing from the RTP Sharks – who were totally dominant in London – and their team is further weakened by the absence of Beth Potter and Sophie Coldwell, opening the door for others to make up ground.

The men’s competition really hots up with defending champion Hayden Wilde (Bahrain Victorious Scorpions) and last year’s runner-up Matt Hauser (Santara Tech Eagles) back after injury and illness kept them out of the opener, while Olympic and World Champions Kristian Blummenfelt and Leo Bergere enter for the Eagles.

Which way does it go? There’s only one person to ask; triathlon legend and Super League Co-Founder Chris McCormack.

Men

It’s very hard to pick the top three with the form guide. I was proud of our Scorpions last week as they fought hard but Kristian Blummenfelt will change the game.

With Hauser and Blummenfelt in the mix the Santara Tech Eagles are going to be coming in tough.

On any other given day I would probably say Hayden Wilde, but I think Matt Hauser will blast this. Hauser has a lot to prove and this is his sort of format but you could throw a blanket over that top five and so much will come down to team tactics.

He will love this Triple Mix format with his big swim and I give him a tight win over Jonny Brownlee. I then think it will probably be one of the Scorpions – either Henri Schoeman, Tayler Reid or Hayden Wilde.

1. Matt Hauser
2. Jonny Brownlee
3. Henri Schoeman

Women

A few of the Sharks are out of this race and while they can still be strong I can’t look past Taylor Spivey.

I thought she looked amazing in London, she ran a beautiful race and was strong across the three disciplines and she will shine.

Jeanne Lehair is good, but this is not the Enduro which favours those athletes who have great endurance. Therefore, I won’t put her on the podium this week, which is a tough one.

For second place I will go with Emma Lombardi. She is young but really good. I think for third place it will be Kate Waugh. She showed a lot of class and talent in London.

1. Taylor Spivey
2. Emma Lombardi
3. Kate Waugh

Teams

So much will come down to team tactics and what the instructions of team managers are.

On the men’s side I think the Scorpions can win this week and be pushed by the Eagles. They will be the team to beat.

On the women’s side I think the Sharks are still tough to beat but the Eagles will be right up there.

No one is talking about the Warriors but their female team is very very strong.

1. Bahrain Victorious Scorpions
2. Santara Tech Eagles
3. RTS Warriors