WATCH: Super League wildcards ‘tri’ to win their spot

Saturday 29 September 2018

Super League triathlon is bringing their unique take on the triple-threat race back to Jersey this weekend and amongst the youngest competitors are a pair of racing twins and a local athlete hoping to earn their ticket to the rest of the international tournament.

Jerseyman Ollie Turner who, at just 20 years old, is hoping his ‘home turf’ will give him the edge over the professional triathletes he is competing against and twins from Sydney, Jayden and Luke Schofield (19) will rely on their brotherly bond to help each other through the Super League’s challenging course.

These ‘wildcard’ athletes, who have been selected to compete based on their performances at Super League qualifier events, are hoping to win a ‘Golden Ticket’ to earn their place in the rest of Super League season. Express caught up with three of the Super League’s youngest hopefuls…

According to his Super League listing, Ollie “has endless enthusiasm for the sport and a determination to make his mark.” The 20-year-old told Express that maybe racing on his own turf will help him win his ticket.

Video: Jerseyman Ollie Turner is hoping to win his golden ticket to the rest of the Super League season.

Ollie said the prospect of racing against professionals was nerve-wracking but he exuded a quiet confidence in the lead up to the race that could see him represent Jersey in the rest of the prestigious triathlon tournament.

Pictured: The unique twist on the standard triathlon forms sees athletes swimming, cycling and running for shorter distances, but at higher speeds (Super League Triathlon).

One year younger than Ollie, but no less determined to prove themselves on the track this weekend and earn their ticket to the rest of the season, were 19-year-old twins from Sydney, Jayden and Luke. Following the example of the well-known Brownlee brothers, the twins told Express that their brotherly bond is their secret weapon when racing. Having never been to Europe before, the young athletes are planning on working as a team and using one another as pace-setters in the race.

Video: The Schofield twins said they hope to work as a team during this weekend's Super League race.

Jayden said: “We don’t compete against each other, it’s more like with each other.” Luke added: “It’s a good gauge, so if Jayden’s 100m in front and I’m 100m behind – I know I’m slacking off a bit – we work with each other.”

The twins were just on their way to check out the temperature of Jersey waters and although they don’t have to worry about Great White sharks lurking in the depths like in Australia, they told Express they were a little concerned about the jellyfish… 

The Super League Triathlon is taking place today and tomorrow at the Waterfront and Castle Quay area and will see 50 international athletes compete, but there will also be a race for Corporate Teams and triathletes of all ages in the Age Group category.