Hundreds of islanders flocked to the Waterfront yesterday to cheer on some of the world’s finest triathletes.

The Super League Triathlon returned to the island on Sunday 21 September, featuring athletes such as Jonathan Brownlee, Georgia Taylor Brown and Cassandre Beaugrand.

Pictured: Hundreds of islanders watched the race. (Marc Le Cornu)

Brownlee said: “To come back and compete here has been really, really special, I feel really happy and there’s great support here. I’ve been here before, and it’s an incredible event.

“It’s a great course, which is tight and technical, but it’s the people that really make this race.

“This island is very special, and what’s great about coming here is the opportunity to inspire the youngsters and that next generation of athletes.

“The whole community gets behind this event, if it wasn’t for them, this race wouldn’t be half of what it is.

“This is a place full of good memories, and hopefully we’ll continue to come back.”

Torrential rain had left the Waterfront course in a slippery state, with several falls and crashes on the bike.

Pictured: Local star Luke Holmes got his shot, coming in as a last-minute transfer. (Marc Le Cornu)

In the women’s race, it was series leader Jeanne Lehair who extended her lead at the top, with Podium Racing teammate Leonie Périault in second, and Georgia Taylor Brown in third.

Csongor Lehmann reigned supreme in the men’s race to claim top spot, followed by Vasco Vilaça of Portugal, with 20-year-old British phenomenon Oliver Conway completing the podium.

Due to late pullouts, local talent got to prove themselves at the highest level, as Siena Stephens and Luke Holmes came in as last-minute transfers.

It’s fair to say that they made an impression at the top, as both held their own with less than two hours’ notice.

Stephens said: “In the past, I’ve been an absolute super-fan, so to be on the other side, with these world-class athletes has been amazing.

“I really hope that my race has inspired today’s young triathletes, as this shows that these opportunities can come around for local talent.

“I’m excited to see how I progress, and hopefully I’ll be back here in future.”

Pictured: Siena Stephens got the chance to perform in front of her home crowd, receiving the call up less than two hours before the race. (Marc Le Cornu)

Holmes added: “I’m super grateful to Tim Don and Brownlee Racing for giving me this opportunity, and hopefully I’ve shown that I can make that step up.”