Super League Triathlon (SLT) has today announced the launch of SLT Teams – a major expansion that will build a team franchise concept from the ground up adding new racing dynamics, and handing power to athletes, fans and stakeholders to help shape the future of the sport.
After four years of rapid growth, Super League Triathlon is making the next step in line with its vision to grow the sport and taking inspiration from the likes of cycling and Formula 1 to build a powerful team competition.
SLT Teams sees five triathlon legends taking the initial lead as Team Managers as part of a balanced ecosystem that will utilise multiple different inputs to help guide its development, structure and rules over the coming years.
SLT Teams will be part of Super League Triathlon’s 2021 Championship Series and bring with it an extra $320,000 in prize money – guaranteeing every athlete will earn money from competing in Super League no matter where they place over the season.
The 40 Super League athletes will each compete for a Team, selected by the Team Managers via a snake draft to be broadcast on Super League Triathlon’s YouTube channel on Thursday, August 26 (6pm BST).
The SLT Teams are:
SLT Scorpions: Managed by four-time World Champion Chris McCormack
SLT Eagles: Managed by four-time World Champion Tim Don
SLT Cheetahs: Managed by World Duathlon champion Annie Emerson
SLT Rhinos: Managed by 11-time Ironman winner Ronnie Schildknecht
SLT Sharks: Managed by two-time Olympian Michelle Dillon
Super League Triathlon CEO, Michael D’hulst, said: “By adding SLT Teams to our 2021 Championship Series we are expanding the ecosystem of Super League Triathlon to deliver a vision to grow our sport. By setting up teams we are adding additional stakeholders to help develop the concept and truly creating something special, driven by the passion and the desire to give this sport a brighter future.
“The racing will bring not only the individual battles we love but also a new tactical element promoting the swimmers, bikers and runners in triathlon and seeing them play a role in their Team’s success. The Team Managers will input to not only mentor the athletes but also attempt to deliver winning tactics.
“There will be extensive coverage of SLT Teams, allowing fans to understand what is happening, hear from the managers and scrutinise their decisions. The athletes also get the chance to be a key part of this, and the chance to be rewarded for their efforts in a way they never have before with something of a redistribution of wealth to help those away from the top few to also grow and develop in the sport.”
Super League Triathlon’s 2021 Championship Series is:
- September 5: London, UK
- September 12: Munich, Germany
- September 18: Jersey, Channel Islands
- September 25: Malibu, USA
For all the details on how SLT Teams will work, please visit the Super League Triathlon website.