Search
shop

Lionel Sanders shares next step in season plan after IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside victory

Lionel Sanders (CAN) deliberates between Kona and the IRONMAN Pro Series after winning IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Despite taking a commanding victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside a fortnight ago, Lionel Sanders remains focused on his ultimate goal, winning the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.

To do this, the Windsor native may have to sacrifice his chances of winning the IRONMAN Pro Series title, something that he is keenly aware of.

Unveiling his next step this season on YouTube, the two-time IMWC runner-up will focus on two big races Stateside with the intention of securing his spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Advertisement

“I’m on the grind for a couple of weeks”

Having missed Oceanside last year, the Tucson native’s next race at IRONMAN 70.3 St George will give him the opportunity to compare his fitness to this time last year.

lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders takes the victory [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]

In 2023, Sanders was well beaten by Sam Long in St George and lost out on the podium to training partner Trevor Foley and Jackson Laundry.

“I’m on the grind for a couple of weeks before IRONMAN 70.3 St George, which I’m excited to do and I love, it’s one of my favourite on the circuit and I just love going to St George.

“Then we will take a little recovery before going to the wind tunnel with Canyon and doing some testing. Then, I’ll start the big build into the Ironman.” 

Kona comes first

Heading to New York in July, Sanders is set on racing IRONMAN Lake Placid to secure his qualification for the IRONMAN World Championship in October.

“I’m going to do IRONMAN Lake Placid. I’m not sure if doing two Ironmans is the right decision for me, I’m going to do Kona and for that I have to qualify, but I’m not sure if it is the right decision for me to do two Ironmans before Kona.

“I hope to have four races on my record this season, but it won’t be enough to compete for the Ironman Pro Series this season unless I do two Ironmans [in addition to Kona], so we will see as it’s a work in progress right now.” 

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Leslie Knibb Kona 2025 1
‘This is a sport I’m not sure you ever figure out’ – how Mum Leslie Knibb inspired daughter Taylor
Laura Siddall Craig Alexander Daniela Ryf Kona 2025
Sid’s day four diary: Double run day as triathlon legends converge on Kona
Lisa Perterer Kona 2025
IRONMAN World Championship Kona: Lisa Perterer poised to spring another surprise
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
Why a change in approach could help Kat Matthews achieve World Championship glory
Laura Siddall Kona 2025 day three AG1 boat mk2
Sid’s day three diary from Kona: Breakfast with Bob and coffee catch up with Indie
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...