Search
shop

The Buckinghams’ SLT Malibu verdict: Waves, sandy corners and upsets

Mark and Lucy Buckingham give their thoughts on the third round of the SLT Championship Series in Malibu
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Both Super League Triathlon Championship Series standings changed leaders after an action packed day of racing down in Malibu in the third round of the 2022 series. Mark “Bucko” Buckingham and Lucy Buckingham gave us their insights after the end of play…

Advertisement

Women’s race – Spivey wins at home

Both Mark and Lucy had plenty of praise for Taylor Spivey, who earned a well deserved victory in front of friends and family at home in California and has “been faultless over the past three races” according to Bucko.

The American capitalised on GTB’s costly crash to take the top spot not only on the day but also in the overall SLT Championship Series standings. In the pursuit style final stage, Spivey played her cards right and made the most of her surf experience, with Lucy highlighting that she “caught a really good wave and managed to get a bit of a gap, which she then held all the way and won”.

After her crash, the pair thought “GTB was in damage control” and that her experience of being in similar positions before will have been to her advantage as she managed to “hold her nerve” and in the end got the best result that she could in difficult circumstances, with her crash just going to show how important a perfectly executed race is in Super League.

Finally, both Mark and Lucy were really impressed with Jeanne Lehair. Speaking of the Team Rhinos athlete, Lucy mentioned that “she got that short chute in the swim and really showed her prowess in the water”, adding that “she is getting better in each race in the championship so far and I am excited to see what she is like in Toulouse”.

Men’s race – Wilde takes win

In the men’s race, series leader Matt Hauser was left bitterly disappointed after being eliminated in the first stage following a crash, having been out on the front of the bike. Whilst disappointing for the Aussie, his absence left room for some other athletes to work themselves up and make a real mark.

Race winner and new series leader Hayden Wilde once again impressed, taking the win ahead of first time podium finisher Shachar Sagiv, who stormed to an impressive second for the Cheetahs. Both Mark and Lucy were over the moon for the Israeli, with Lucy saying “I’m chuffed for Sagiv. I’ve seen him come up through the ranks and to see him get on the map in Super League racing is really great”.

Bucko was also keen to point out the impact the waves had on the race, stating that “I’d be interested to see what went on in that first 50m to the first buoy as Riddle managed to close the gap to the front in no time and it just goes to show how important hitting those waves right is”. Mark was also keen to highlight how much he liked the format and race location, with the conditions “making it exciting from the off, we liked the format and we liked the waves too”.

Finally, both Mark and Lucy were incredibly impressed with fellow Brit Dan Dixon, with the 20 year old finishing a series high of fourth to move himself into eighth overall after three races. Mark highlighted his the utility of his “really strong swim” and noted that whilst Dixon is making his debut in the 2022 Championship Series, this was a “standout performance” and he’s really “taking his opportunities”.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...