Aiming to lead growth of triathlon in the Middle East, supertri has unveiled its third franchise team and confirmed the launch of Crown Racing.
Crown Racing will compete in supertri’s 2024 league season, with Bahrain Victorious 13 extending its commitment by becoming the team’s inaugural principal partner having been a sponsor for the last three years.
Teams, in the supertri universe, are envisioned as more than competing elite athletes, and are positioned as pillars for the promotion and growth of triathlon. Transitioning to franchise ownership, supertri adds that it is looking to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection with the sport’s global audience.
Podium Racing, managed by 4-time World Champion Tim Don, and Stars & Stripes Racing, managed by Parker Spencer, have already been confirmed.
The Crown Racing team will aim to further deepen supertri’s connection in the Middle East, building on the progress made through events in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, and collaborations with different regional federations. This includes a programme to help inspire a new generation of talent in the region, as well as support for the Saudi Triathlon Federation to enable accelerated grassroots growth among young girls and boys, and broadcast deals featuring Arabic commentary to take the sport of triathlon to a wider audience.
supertri’s 2024 league campaign will come to an end with the Grand Final being held in NEOM on November 3. The event organiser notes that… ‘even more activity, designed to create accessible opportunities for participation, will take place with stars of the sport representing Crown Racing more closely aligned than ever before.’
supertri CEO and Co-Founder, Michael D’hulst, said “supertri is the future of triathlon across the world, and the Middle East has been a key part of our journey. We first started our work with NEOM and the Saudi Triathlon Federation in 2018, and have made tremendous strides, building strong networks and relationships that have seen significant growth of the sport across the region.
“Bahrain Victorious has been part of the supertri team development since we began the concept and the launch of Crown Racing, a team with a focus in the region and with Bahrain continuing its commitment as title sponsor, will help us to support and deliver the region’s ambitious aims for the sport.”
supertri’s new teams initiative is a move designed to enhance its league’s resonance with fans and participants worldwide, amplifying the triathlon experience.
Four teams of four men and four women will compete in supertri’s league, beginning in 2024 in Boston on August 18. All teams must include an under-23 athlete in line with supertri’s commitment to developing the future of triathlon, and the teams will compete for a prize pot of US$1.1m, which sits outside of individual prize money. The team franchise is purchased in perpetuity by its owner.
Crown Racing begins competing in the supertri League 2024, which is as follows:
August 18: supertri Boston
August 25: supertri Chicago
September 8: supertri London
October 6: supertri Toulouse
November 3: supertri NEOM
Further announcements on team rosters, kit and the league will be made in the coming weeks.
