Toulouse Showdown: Key Team Battles in the 2024 supertri League

As the 2024 supertri season approaches its pivotal fourth round in Toulouse, the battle for team supremacy has never been tighter. The predicted points breakdown for this event indicates another intense showdown between the top teams, with Crown Racing and Podium Racing locked in a fierce competition for the overall lead. Meanwhile, Stars and Stripes Racing are expected to build on their recent improvements, while Brownlee Racing faces a challenging event without their star athlete, Alex Yee.

Here’s a closer look at the team dynamics heading into Toulouse:

Crown Racing vs. Podium Racing: A Nail-Biting Title Race

Crown Racing, led by standout performances from Hayden Wilde and Georgia Taylor-Brown, continues to set the pace in the 2024 supertri season. With predicted points of 98 in Toulouse (51 from the women’s race and 47 from the men’s), Crown Racing is expected to extend its lead. Wilde’s commanding form in recent races and Taylor-Brown's relentless consistency have been the backbone of the team’s dominance. Wilde’s absence from the Olympic Games showed his hunger to redeem himself, and his back-to-back victories in Chicago and London have cemented him as the frontrunner for the men’s title.

However, Podium Racing is not far behind. Predicted to score 92 points in Toulouse (35 in the women’s race and a huge 57 from the men), the team will lean on its male athletes to challenge Wilde’s supremacy. Matt Hauser and Jeanne Lehair, both strong contenders, will be crucial in closing the gap between Podium and Crown Racing. Hauser’s rising form and Lehair's home advantage make them dangerous competitors who can turn the tide in Toulouse.

Stars and Stripes Racing: Building Momentum

Stars and Stripes Racing have shown steady improvement over the course of the season, and Toulouse could mark their best points haul yet, with predictions of 61 points (24 from the women and 37 from the men). The addition of Pierre Le Corre, who will be racing on home soil, is a huge boost for the team’s prospects in Toulouse. Le Corre's presence is expected to lift the team’s morale and performance as they aim for their best result of the season.

While Stars and Stripes may not yet be in the hunt for the overall team title, their progression throughout the season shows they are closing the gap to the top teams. A strong performance in Toulouse could position them for a solid finish in the final race in NEOM.

Brownlee Racing: Uphill Struggles Without Yee

Brownlee Racing faces an uphill battle in Toulouse, especially with Alex Yee not competing. Yee’s absence is a significant blow to the team’s chances of making up ground in the standings, with Brownlee Racing predicted to score just 32 points (22 from the women’s race and a mere 10 from the men’s). With Yee out, the focus turns to Jonny Brownlee, who will need to dig deep and deliver a vintage performance to help his team stay competitive.

Brownlee’s experience and grit make him a potential dark horse, but without Yee’s explosive speed, the team is expected to struggle against the powerhouse performances of Crown and Podium Racing. The Toulouse race may prove to be another difficult outing for Brownlee Racing as they attempt to claw back points and salvage their season.

Final Thoughts: Toulouse's High Stakes

Toulouse is set to be a crucial turning point in the 2024 supertri season, with every point making a difference in the tight race for the team championship. Crown Racing holds a slight advantage, but Podium Racing’s strong men’s team could make a huge difference. Stars and Stripes Racing, buoyed by the presence of Pierre Le Corre, will be looking to make a statement, while Brownlee Racing faces the daunting task of competing without their key athlete.With two events remaining, including the grand finale in NEOM, Toulouse will provide a clearer picture of the title race—and possibly set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 supertri league season.

Data from Sports4Cast