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
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand 2024
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...