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
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“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

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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.

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