Lewis gets wild card into Super League Jersey triathlon
THE greatest rivalry in Channel Islands triathlon is set to resume next month – this time among the international elite and the mass spectatorship of Super League Jersey.
Guernsey’s reigning Island Games champion Josh Lewis has received a wild-card entry for the classy event, as has Jerseyman and fellow National Triathlon Performance Centre Wales prospect Ollie Turner.
It will be Lewis’s first time competing on the Super League pro circuit – yet his more-experienced rival has the entirety of ‘Season 18’ behind him.
With Turner giving the Ravenscroft-backed Lewis a fierce challenge in Gibraltar before eventually slipping back to bronze, both will undoubtedly be giving their all in an enthralling battle on St Helier.
The Guernseyman recently spoke about how their friendship goes on hold whenever they race together.
‘Ollie and I are very supportive of each other, but of course there is that competitiveness,’ said Lewis.
‘Of course, there will be no love lost when we are out there.
‘Everyone is a competitor when you step on to that start line. You don’t really think of friendships when you’ve got oxygen deprivation.
‘You are just battling for yourself and we will be going out there to beat each other any way we can.’
Meanwhile, Turner now has an additional incentive to perform to his best.
He finished 17th overall last season and now looks forward to an in-race duel for CI bragging rights.
‘There’s definitely more pressure because everyone is playing on the Jersey-Guernsey rivalry and it’s on home soil,’ he said.
‘I’ve beaten Josh a few times but he always manages to put it together when it matters most, which is what it’s all about.’
Super League Jersey returns to the Waterfront on 28-29 September and welcomes a host of elite triathletes.
France’s Vincent Luis won the previous championship from a stellar international field, featuring GB legend Jonny Brownlee.
