Search
shop

Hayden Wilde ‘frustrated’ by SLT short chute call but vows to come back harder next year

It was the big talking point - and did it decide the SLT men's title in Neom?
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Much of the talk after Super League Triathlon’s Championship Series finale in Neom surrounded the Scorpions’ decision not to give Hayden Wilde the short chute he’d won earlier on the bike.

Team boss Michael Gilliam instead elected to hand it to Henri Schoeman, who did manage to finish ahead of a small bunch finish for sixth.

But the call left Wilde vulnerable in his head-to-head battle for the race win and the overall title with Leo Bergere.

And the Frenchman, world champion last year, never looked like being caught after opening up a gap after being able to cut that first corner thanks to being handed the Eagles’ short chute by manager Tim Don.

He would go on to win the race by nine seconds from Wilde, which also saw him succeed the Kiwi as the overall champion.

This was in stark contrast to 12 months previously, when Gilliam’s tactics led the Scorpions to the lucrative team prize – this time it was Don’s Eagles who topped the standings.

Advertisement

‘We did all we could’

While Wilde looked upset when crossing the line, he was soon chatting to Gilliam and was magnanimous in defeat when interviewed.

Hayden Wilde Neom run finish 2023 photo credit Super League
Wilde crosses the line in Neom [Photo credit: Super League]

He said: “Obviously coming over the finish line I was a little bit frustrated but it was actually a great day out there as I’ve been struggling with a cold.

“There were actually a few mistakes in transition where the shoes were still in the box and a few other things. But I asked for the short chute because I wasn’t feeling too well at the end and didn’t get it.

“But we did all we could and we keep fighting and we come back next year harder.”

Teamwork makes dream work for Bergere

Bergere didn’t put a foot wrong himself and would have been a tough man to beat anyway and he said afterwards: “I was scared to look behind until about 400 metres from the line – I was expecting to see Hayden right behind me!

“But when Tim Don told me I’ve got it, I was just delighted.

“I can’t thank my team enough – Tim obviously and Matt Hauser too for winning that short chute for us today. Without the help of everyone I couldn’t achieve the victory.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Taylor Knibb bike leg IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025
WATCH LIVE NOW: Women’s IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025 as Knibb leads after bike
Lucy Charles Barclay IRONMAN press conference Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: YELLOW CARD penalty for leader Charles-Barclay
Chelsea Sodaro bike leg IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Former Kona champ Chelsea Sodaro is OUT
Lucy Charles Barclay swim start ironman world championship 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025: Another swim masterclass from LCB as she POWERS clear
Stefanie Clutterbuck - IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire 2023 AG Female winner (Photo Credit Huw Fairclough)
‘My Showgirl Era’ – British triathlon star becomes an OnlyFans athlete on eve of IRONMAN World Champs
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

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...