The Championship: Lionel Sanders talks success in Samorin

Lionel Sanders (CAN) won an epic head-to-head battle with Sebastian Kienle at The Championship on Saturday. I sat down with the champion for coffee and chat
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - JUNE 3: Lionel Sanders of Canada celebrates winning The Championship Challenge Triathlon on June 3, 2017 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images for Challenge Triathlon) *** Local Caption *** Lionel Sanders
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

“I’d thrown in the towel several times in that race!”

‘Sebastian said to me afterwards that I’d rather finish second in a good race than finish first by a mile easily – and I feel the same way. If the tables were turned, I’d still feel the same way sitting here as I do now.”

After two brilliant races yesterday, this morning I got to sit down for coffee with Lionel Sanders, the men’s winner at The Championship. It started as a stressful week, with 26 hours of travelling and no bike or bags arriving, but ended well with a memorable ‘last man standing’ effort in great head-to-head battle with Sebastian Kienle.

I also confirmed that despite previous thoughts, there is a fair chance that he WILL be racing in Kona this coming October. Watch the video below for more.

POST-RACE REFLECTIONS WITH MEN’S CHAMPION LIONEL SANDERS

https://www.facebook.com/Tri247/videos/10155375503954868/

(Post-race interview with women’s champion Lucy Charles is HERE)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU6g4oKlz6-/

The Championship Samorin

Advertisement

More coverage from The Championship

Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.

Sumarpo Akula wetsuit review – the shark suit that actually swims as good as it looks

Oliver Conway to miss WTCS Grand Final after injury setback

‘This year’s been fighting me’ – Alex Yee opens up after astonishing WTCS comeback

ZONE3 Advance wetsuit review – the entry-level suit that swims above its ticket

ZONE3 Venator-X goggles review – the open-water pair we actually kept reaching for

ZONE3 Aspire wetsuit review – the mid-premium suit that actually swims like the ticket

‘I didn’t think I was ever going to get there again’ – emotional GTB on ending WTCS wait

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship: Five things we learned as Wilde eyes Kona and Knibb chases history

Oliver Conway to miss WTCS Grand Final after injury setback

‘This year’s been fighting me’ – Alex Yee opens up after astonishing WTCS comeback

‘I didn’t think I was ever going to get there again’ – emotional GTB on ending WTCS wait

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship: Five things we learned as Wilde eyes Kona and Knibb chases history

‘I just never gave up’ – Julie Derron reveals doubts behind incredible 70.3 Worlds comeback

No watch, no problem: Hayden Wilde races blind to IRONMAN 70.3 world title

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship men’s results: Hayden Wilde holds off incredible Blummenfelt

WTCS Karlovy Vary 2026 men’s results: Coninx holds off charging Yee

Share to...