Luis and Zaferes seek crowning glory in Singapore but scoring system means both men’s and women’s title contention is still open

Super League Triathlon (SLT) has announced its starting line-up for the final Championship Series event of the season, with current SLT leaders Vincent Luis (FRA) and Katie Zaferes (USA) hoping to continue their outstanding form and claim the Championship in Singapore on 23-24 February.

But nothing is assured… for in true SLT style, the athletes competing in Singapore’s ONE°15 Marina and Sentosa Cove next month will be awarded double points for their placings in the final challenge of the season, meaning Luis and Zaferes mustn’t put a foot wrong or risk being toppled from their leading positions.​

Super League Triathlon (SLT) is the pinnacle of the sport on the world’s stage, delivering game-changing formats – mixing up long and short course athletes – in a series of fast-paced events with unpredictable outcomes that culminate in the crowning of the best and most versatile male and female triathletes in the world. Over the course of the season, the top 50 (25 male and 25 female) triathletes from around the world battle it out for the crown to become the best all-round triathlete.

Who can stop Luis?
In the men’s race, Luis currently sits at the head of the leaderboard with the maximum 75 points, but his challenger for the season Henri Schoeman (RSA) hasn’t taken his sights off the title yet, with an impressive 63 points. Schoeman’s compatriot Richard Murray goes into Singapore with 48 points and Britain’s Jonny Brownlee sits just behind with 46 points.

The ‘Top 4’ has remained largely unchanged this season in the men’s racing, with all four managing to hang on to their coloured jerseys* in Malta, Mallorca and Singapore. But the double points scoring system in ONE°15 Marina and Sentosa Cove could see an upset to the overall results thanks to New Zealand’s young Hayden Wilde, who has taken to SLT like a duck to water. The 21-year-old currently sits in fifth place with 34 points, and any slip-ups from the ‘Top 4’ in either the Eliminator or Enduro formats across the racing weekend could see Wilde snatch the podium from Brownlee or Murray or even Schoeman in Singapore.

An all-American dream?
Katie Zaferes has looked unstoppable this season, maintaining her pink series leader jersey throughout. Her fierce USA teammate Kirsten Kasper, who has remained Zaferes’ biggest challenger so far, goes into Singapore in second place with 54 points. Impressive performances from a host of the women’s roster have seen a see-saw battle for the ‘Top 5’ at every stage. Rachel Klamer (NED) and Taylor Spivey (USA) could shake things up at the top of the table, as could Summer Rappaport (née Cook) (USA) who has worn the red jersey (run leader) twice this season thanks to some lightning-quick run times.

Who can topple the leaders?
The women have a serious battle on their hands if they want to take away Zaferes’ chance of winning the title this season, but the double points scoring system in Singapore could make it a possibility. If the current leader suffers from unforgiving mistakes and finishes fourth or lower in Singapore, Kasper can take the title if she wins her races. Things could heat up even further if Zaferes finishes in eighth place or lower, opening up the opportunity for both Klamer and Spivey to fight for the crown.

In the men’s race, Schoeman can steal Luis’ top spot if he wins the weekend’s races and the Frenchmen finishes third or below. Both Murray and Brownlee could be in with a chance to poach Luis’ season-long lead if either wins the weekend in Singapore, but Luis would need to finish seventh or lower overall and Schoeman fourth.

A truly international finale
There will be athletes from 18 different nations competing in Singapore, showcasing the worldwide appeal SLT enjoys. Beyond the big names and recognisable faces, the finale event next month will welcome fresh talent from the Asia Pacific, as the allure of triathlon intensifies in the region.

How can I watch the showdown?
Visit superleaguetriathlon.com to watch all the LIVE action in Singapore on 23-24 February, and catch the races and highlights on our Facebook page @SuperLeagueTri. You can also check out your local broadcast providers for local TV and radio coverage.

Check out current SLT athletes rankings here.