Supertri League made a spectacular return to Jersey last weekend, bringing world-class racing and vibrant community energy.
With exciting action on the course and a brilliant atmosphere across the fan zone and waterfront, it was a day to remember for athletes and supporters alike.
Super Sunday
The day began with RBC Race for the Kids Jersey, which saw more than 800 islanders take part across the 2.5k, 5k and 10k routes. Spirits certainly weren’t dampened by the wet weather as this was the second-biggest turnout ever for RBC Race for the Kids Jersey. From young children to adults, families and groups from local schools, the inclusive event brought the community together to raise funds for Jersey Child Care Trust.
Despite the morning’s torrential rain, thousands of spectators lined the course to cheer on athletes and soak up the unique energy of Supertri racing. With its dramatic marina setting and tight, technical route, Jersey once again delivered an ideal stage for short-course triathlon. Athletes praised the warmth and enthusiasm of the Jersey crowd, with many calling it one of the most memorable venues on the Supertri calendar.
In a thrilling afternoon of elite racing, Csongor Lehmann claimed victory in the men’s race, while the women’s competition saw Jeanne Lehair produce a standout performance to take the top step on the podium and extend her overall lead. The fast-paced action saw athletes push themselves to the limit, clenching valuable points for themselves and their teams.
A ‘fairy tale’ experience
The winners received roaring cheers as they crossed the finish line, but there were two particular competitors who truly captured the hearts of the crowd. Jersey’s own Siena Stephens and Luke Holmes were given the opportunity to line up alongside some of their sporting inspirations as last-minute stand-ins. 18-year-old Siena, who trains with Jersey Triathlon Academy, completed the 10k wave of RBC Race for the Kids that morning, before getting the call that she would be competing in the elite race that afternoon. She referred to the experience as a ‘fairy tale’ and was motivated by the support from her friends and family, who created a ‘wall of noise’ around the course.
Birthday boy Luke also got a surprise when he was asked to race with less than two hours’ notice and received huge support from spectators as he made his way to the marina. He took part in the very first Race for the Kids Jersey back in 2017 and has now proven that he is more than capable of competing against the best triathletes in the world. Luke raced as part of Brownlee Racing, alongside multiple Olympic medallist Jonathan Brownlee, who had a tough race after crashing his bike in the slippery conditions.
Following the crash, the Olympian was spurred on by the support of the Jersey crowd and wanted to finish the race for them. He explained: “I love Jersey, it feels like a second home. What’s great about coming here is the opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes. That’s what it’s all about.”
Community impact
Supertri’s presence in Jersey extended well beyond the course last weekend, with a series of community engagements designed to inspire the next generation of island athletes and coaches.
Olympians Jonathan Brownlee, Ricardo Batista, Vasco Vilaca, Maria Tomé, and Georgia Taylor-Brown visited Janvrin School, where they took part in a Q&A with excited pupils. In a heartwarming moment, the children surprised the athletes with an original song written to motivate them for race day, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
Elsewhere, Jersey Sport hosted a special event for aspiring triathletes and coaches. Jonathan Brownlee joined athletes from the Jersey Tri Club Academy and Jersey Sport’s Performance Sport Programme for a closed Q&A session, sharing insights from his career at the pinnacle of the sport. Olympic triathlete and Brownlee Racing team manager Tim Don also led a talk with local coaches, kicking off a series of development opportunities aligned with the upcoming 2026 expansion of the island’s Performance Sport Programme.
Throughout the weekend, athletes also trained alongside local sports clubs, and Georgia Taylor-Brown took time to speak with young female athletes about her journey in triathlon and the importance of representation in sport.
Michael D’hulst, CEO and Co-Founder of Supertri, reflected on the impact of Supertri League Jersey: “The real story isn’t just one weekend: it’s the legacy. This event grows clubs, creates role models for young people, strengthens local coaching networks, and inspires more islanders to get active. Done right, Supertri becomes an annual celebration that’s part of Jersey’s identity and lifts the whole sporting ecosystem. We’re excited to make Jersey a long-term anchor in the Supertri calendar and to keep building on this momentum together.”
Pictured: Janvrin school visit
