The world’s hottest triathlon series redefines the sport as a dynamic, immersive experience ideal for modern audiences – is this the future of the sport?
Featuring elite athletes through a modern lens, the Super League Triathlon is taking endurance sports in a fresh new direction. The breakthrough tri-based competition offers a fast, furious, and highly-followable spectacle – an event accessible to veterans and newcomers alike. Much more than any standalone race, the SLT emphasizes community and sustainability while inspiring healthy, active lifestyles for all. For many, that’s the allure behind this updated format.
If you’re not moving forwards, if you’re not pushing the envelope or testing what is possible then in reality you’re not just standing still – you’re sliding backwards
Michael Dhulst, co-founder and CEO of Super League Triathlon.
The Super League offers a fresh tri-based event that attracts an ever-growing number of viewers and participants. What is behind its success? Streamlined and sophisticated – the SLT sits ahead of the pack for several reasons. The relatively short race features a 200-meter swim, 4-kilometer bike, and one-kilometer run – considerably concise as compared to a standard eight to nine-hour triathlon. Those who love the grueling, multiport action continue to tune in to league events in record numbers.
Composed of elite triathletes from around the globe, SLT Teams build themselves from the ground up. Audiences cheer on clubs such as the Eagles, Cheetahs, and Rhinos as they fight for position in the standings. Some of triathlon’s most recognizable names lead each of the five founding teams. Decked in team colors, fans around the globe tune in to follow their favorites all the way to the finish line. Here communities unite to build legacies that will last generations to come.
“You don’t play triathlon. You play soccer; it’s fun. You play baseball. Triathlon is work that you can leave you crumpled in a heap, puking on the roadside”, Scorpions manager and four-time World Champion Chris McCormack famously said.
Technology is behind SLT’s revolutionary reimagining of the triathlon. Zwift-powered stationary biking and running stations allow triathletes to compete side by side under one roof. The gamification of these events not only eases logistics for coordinators but it also enriches connections with spectators. Thanks to Zwift technology, audiences worldwide follow race progress in virtual worlds. Diehard followers can closely monitor real-time data including speed, ranking, and biometrics. Subsequently, each tech-fueled SLT event is the perfect entry point for novice triathletes.
In the spring of 2022, Super League’s held their Arena Games in Munich, London, and Singapore. An updated scoring model awards both teams and individuals. The top three men and three women in each event contributes points to their team. In addition, those who rank within individual swimming, cycling, and running events gain points. This model requires managers to strategize and position athletes to gain an edge throughout the season.
Led by two-time Olympian Michelle Dillon, the always-competitive SLT Sharks balance strengths and weaknesses to remain competitive. “I think the viewers will get excited by this and get behind their favorite team and I am super excited to be part of it,” Dillon says.
Sustainability and inclusion are essential to SLT’s mission. Throughout the season, prize money is awarded to every member of the league, regardless of how they place. This altruistic reward scheme ensures participants have the support they need to further train and meet goals. More empowered than ever, this new breed of triathletes will go on to break records at every level.
Considering widespread acceptance of the Super League, a new age of triathlon is upon us. Franchises, real-time analysis, virtual environments, prizes… the SLT formula continues to drive interest in the sport of triathlon. Enhanced accessibility allows more to join the action – undoubtedly inspiring incoming athletes to achieve the extraordinary.
It’s true, Super League isn’t like any other multisport endurance race, but thanks to a strong community and innovation, it is certainly proving itself a fan favorite. All eyes are on the upcoming season as this next generation of triathletes vie to take home the gold.
Is Super League the future of triathlon? You bet it is. Now is the time to prepare for the next action-packed, in-your-face endurance event.
