Search
shop

Learmonth and co set to turn up the volume as Arena Games hits London

A packed house is set to be treated to some fascinating battles this weekend - with Brits to the fore in the women's race
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Jess Learmonth is set to return to Arena Games action in London this weekend and is looking forward to experience the format in a venue packed with fans. 

Learmonth, who won Olympic gold for Team GB in the mixed relay last year, missed out on the Arena Games opener in Munich a fortnight ago but will compete before what is virtually a sell-out crowd at the London Aquatics Centre.

Speaking on the Arena Games Triathlon Shorts / Short Chute podcast powered by Zwift, Learmonth admitted she had not been convinced about the format beforehand. 

Advertisement

Clear potential

But having competed in and won the inaugural one-off Arena Games race in Rotterdam 2020, she soon saw its potential. 

Super League Triathlon Arena Games Rotterdam 2020
Photo: That Cameraman / Darren Wheeler / Super League Triathlon

Learmonth said: “At first, I thought ‘surely not, how is that going to be entertaining for people?’ 

“I was really up for the pool swim because I’m game for lane ropes and I think we should have them in triathlon. If everyone had their own lane ropes, we’d all be fine! 

“When we got there, I couldn’t believe it, because it was Covid as well. When you imagine how good it was and then you think what if there were actually crowds there? 

“They made the spectacle so good. I just thought this is brilliant. How good is it that it is all in one place.” 

Easier to relate

Part of the attraction, according to Learmonth, is the way supporters are able to see the action so close at hand and watch triathletes doing things they could attempt at their local sports centre. 

She said: “People who are watching can see how fast you swim and relate to it because they will get in a pool that’s 50 or 25m long.  

“On the bike, they may not know how much we weigh, but they can see what watts we are putting out.  

“Then on the run, we’re on the treadmill, so it’s so much more relatable to the people that are watching, I think, rather than watching people swimming in a lake and thinking ‘she might not be going fast’. 

Super League Triathlon Arena Games Rotterdam 2020
Photo: That Cameraman / Darren Wheeler / Super League Triathlon

“I think it was brilliant and I am really excited to see what it will be like with the crowds.”  

Beth Potter dominated the women’s race in Munich but is set to face a tougher-looking field in London on Saturday.

Not surprisingly there will be a strong British presence, including Georgia Taylor-Brown who famously won that Mixed Relay gold alongside Learmonth in Tokyo last year and then went on to pip her to the overall Super League Triathlon crown.

Written by
Ed Mezzetti
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
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

Share to...