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.

Siffert, Sodaro, Lawrence, Long and Ditlev headline provisional IRONMAN Florida start lists

Challenge Forte Village Sardinia 2026 results: Nikki Bartlett wins as Pierre Dupuy makes it three

Challenge Barcelona 2026 results: Kyle Smith storms clear as Nielsen wins five-second thriller

Courtney Dauwalter puts IRONMAN on her radar with “a hundred percent chance” verdict

Julie Derron targets T100 title push just five weeks after IRONMAN World Championship podium

Henri Schoeman reveals death threats over Brownlee Cozumel finish: ‘I’m finally ready to be proud of it again’

Challenge Roth champion Alanis Siffert headlines weekend double-header after stunning 2026 season

Taylor Knibb ‘quite possibly’ the world’s best female endurance athlete, says Cam Wurf

Siffert, Sodaro, Lawrence, Long and Ditlev headline provisional IRONMAN Florida start lists

Challenge Forte Village Sardinia 2026 results: Nikki Bartlett wins as Pierre Dupuy makes it three

Challenge Barcelona 2026 results: Kyle Smith storms clear as Nielsen wins five-second thriller

Courtney Dauwalter puts IRONMAN on her radar with “a hundred percent chance” verdict

Julie Derron targets T100 title push just five weeks after IRONMAN World Championship podium

Henri Schoeman reveals death threats over Brownlee Cozumel finish: ‘I’m finally ready to be proud of it again’

Challenge Roth champion Alanis Siffert headlines weekend double-header after stunning 2026 season

Taylor Knibb ‘quite possibly’ the world’s best female endurance athlete, says Cam Wurf

Share to...