Hayden Wilde's 2024 supertri League So Far
Hayden Wilde’s 2024 supertri league campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, positioning him as the clear favourite for the overall men's title. While his season started with a hard-fought second-place finish in Boston, Wilde has since gone from strength to strength, becoming the man to beat.
A Heartbreaking Start in Boston
Wilde’s season opener in Boston mirrored his dramatic loss at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on the gold medal to Alex Yee in a sprint finish. The Boston race played out in a similar fashion. Wilde and Yee battled fiercely throughout the race, matching each other across the swim, bike, and run segments. However, in the final stretch, it was Yee who edged out Wilde once again, taking the win by the slimmest of margins. Despite the disappointment of another close defeat, Wilde’s second-place finish in Boston will still be crucial for his points tally.
The Turning Point: Chicago Victory
Chicago marked Wilde’s turning point in the season. After narrowly missing out on victory in Boston, he entered the race determined to capitalize on his form. Wilde executed a brilliant race plan, controlling the bike leg with aggression and precision, and tactically using his short chute advantage to gain a critical lead. This time, there was no last-minute heartbreak—Wilde dominated the field to claim his first win of the season, putting his title bid firmly on track.
London: Another Triumph and Tactical Mastery
Wilde’s momentum continued in London, where he once again demonstrated why he is now the outright favourite for the supertri league title. London’s technical course, with its tight turns and cobbled streets, provided an additional challenge, but Wilde excelled. His bike handling skills and race intelligence allowed him to stay ahead of key rivals like Matt Hauser and Vincent Luis. Once more, Wilde made use of the short chute, securing his position at the front and sealing his second consecutive win.
Wilde’s London performance cemented his status as the man to beat for the rest of the season. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his tactical nous, has seen him rise to the top of the leaderboard with a commanding points lead heading into the final two races.
Crown Racing's Key Contributor
Wilde’s success hasn’t only been personal—his performances have also been pivotal for his team, Crown Racing, which currently sits atop the team standings. Wilde’s points from his podium finishes in Boston, Chicago, and London have been instrumental in maintaining Crown Racing’s lead over rivals like Podium Racing. His consistency, combined with the support of teammates like Georgia Taylor-Brown and Vincent Luis, has made Crown Racing the team to beat.
As the series moves into its final two races in Toulouse and NEOM, Wilde is positioned as the out-and-out favorite for the men’s title. With his recent performances, he not only has a strong grip on the individual standings but is also vital to Crown Racing’s push for the overall team championship.
Looking Ahead: Toulouse and NEOM
The upcoming events in Toulouse and NEOM will pose fresh challenges, with Toulouse’s hilly terrain and NEOM’s harsh desert conditions set to test every athlete’s endurance and adaptability. However, Wilde’s current form, along with his experience in tough race conditions, suggests he is well-equipped to handle whatever comes his way. If Wilde can maintain his composure and tactical intelligence, his path to the supertri men’s title looks increasingly certain.
Wilde’s story this season is one of redemption and excellence. From the disappointment of Boston to his back-to-back victories in Chicago and London, he has proven that he is not only one of the fastest triathletes in the world but also one of the smartest. As we approach the final stretch of the 2024 supertri season, all eyes will be on Wilde as he looks to close out what has been an extraordinary campaign.
