THE return of the world’s leading triathletes to compete in Jersey later this summer has been hailed by a hospitality leader as a key opportunity to stimulate the visitor economy.
The Island will play host to the Supertri event for the sixth time over the first weekend of September in a feast of sport that will also offer local athletes of all ages the chance to stretch their legs over the same course as the professionals.
Among those set to compete are Olympic champions Alex Yee and Cassandre Beaugrand.
Offering prize money of $800,000, this year’s event will be televised worldwide and mark the finale of Supertri’s 2026 season, with the economic benefits for the Island welcomed by Marcus Calvani, co-chair of the Jersey Hospitality Association.
“Supertri is something that captures the inimitable elements of our Island, with competition in an iconic harbour setting and really putting Jersey on the map,” he said. “It has a double benefit, as not only will it bring people here this year, but the TV coverage will showcase the Island to people who may come to next year’s event, or for a holiday at another time.
“In the same way as Bergerac has done, some of this coverage helps promote Jersey in markets that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Mr Calvani described event-led tourism as a key part of the Visitor Economy Strategy.
“It’s great for the accommodation sector, but visitors don’t just stay in hotels, they go out to bars and restaurants and enjoy everything the Island has to offer, bringing real vibrancy,” he said.
Jersey first hosted Supertri in 2017, with the event returning in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2025.
Michael D’hulst, chief executive and co-founder of Supertri, said: “We consider Jersey to be the spiritual home of Supertri, so we can’t think of anywhere more fitting to host the Supertri Pro Series Final this year.
“This is a huge year for us as we truly unify professional and amateur racing and grow the sport of triathlon – our new Pro Series is the pinnacle of short course racing and the sport’s superstars are ready to come to Jersey to fight for the biggest one-day prize purse in the sport in 2026.”
The Supertri Pro Series Final, sponsored by UBS Global Wealth Management, will take place on 6 September and form part of a weekend of endurance sport that will also include Swim Run Jersey and the annual half marathon organised by Jersey Spartan Athletic Club.
David Kennedy, chief executive of Jersey Sport, said: “Our Island has quickly become a popular destination within the Supertri series, and much of that success comes down to the strong connection the athletes build with our community whenever they visit.
“The event is always an opportunity to show off Jersey at its best to the world of sport, and to inspire people locally by bringing world-class competition right to our doorstep.
“We look forward to building on the success of previous years and once again creating lasting experiences for both participants and spectators.”
