Search
shop

‘One big family’ – Learmonth on how SLT limit impact of busy schedule

Three races in 14 days - how big an ask is that for the Super League athletes? Jess Learmonth provides the answers
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Saturday’s Super League Championship Series race in Malibu is the third event inside the space of two weeks – but what challenges does back-to-back racing present the athletes?

The format may be short and sharp but it’s also unrelenting and Jess Learmonth, winner at three of the four venues in 2021, says it does take its toll.

Don’t try and cram

Jess Learmonth profile pic photo credit Ryan Sosna-Bowd
Jess Learmonth [Photo credit Ryan Sosna-Bowd]

She told us: “It was quite difficult last time – there was a lot of travelling and a lot of racing just like this year – but of course, there was Covid to contend with too.

“It should be smoother this year in terms of logistics and training. Racing each weekend itself isn’t a big issue – as athletes we train 30 or so hours a week and can cope with racing back-to-back.

“But I think where some might struggle is training too much over these first two weeks in between the three events. They’ll try and cram too much training in and be too fatigued.”

Advantage Europe?

Of course last year Super League came shortly after the Olympics, where Jess was part of the gold medal-winning Team GB Mixed Relay along with fellow SLT stars Georgia Taylor-Brown, Jonny Brownlee and Alex Yee.

Olympic Games Mixed Relay Triathlon Tokyo 2020
Great Britain claimed Mixed Relay gold at Tokyo 2020.

And she admitted: “I certainly felt pretty tired last year by the end of the series.

“And I felt very unfit by the end of it, because I didn’t do the volume of training in between. I guess the Olympics had been just before. It should be different this time, it’s a more level playing field.

“But I still think the Europeans again this season have an advantage with London and Munich being the first two events. Those who train in Leeds for example have been able to head back there in between before flying out to Malibu.

“They’ve all gone to Malibu together but it will start to add up for those who had to travel big distances to get to London right at the start.”

But Jess was quick to point out that the organisers do everything they can to lessen the impact of the busy schedule, explaining: “It’s like a big family. And Super League are really good with your family and support teams. So Jon came with me and other people have their partners and you do all feel welcome.

“We get on very well with all the staff and everyone eats together so it’s like a full SLT family going from place to place.

“We also do things like triathlon activations in different places which is great, you’re treated so well and I don’t think I’ve been on any event where you’re looked after quite as well, whatever you need.”

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
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Sam Long wins IRONMAN 703 Gulf Coast 2023 [Photo credit: Julio Aguilar / Getty Images for IRONMAN]
Sam Long opens up on US triathlon stars struggling in Europe after big move brought ‘complete mental breakdown’
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
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.

£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

£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...