Search
shop

‘Going into race day with no excuses’ – Hanson in prime form for Texas

After a smooth build up, American star is hoping for a big performance at IRONMAN Texas, the race which kick-started his career.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Matt Hanson believes he’s poised for another big day at IRONMAN Texas, the race which launched his pro triathlon career.

The American is one of the big favourites this weekend in the Lone Star State, along with Brit Joe Skipper – and the duo have already booked their IRONMAN World Championship slots thanks to their one-two at IRONMAN Arizona late last year.

Hanson was second that day but he has high hopes of going one better in Texas at an event that means a great deal to him.

Advertisement

Emotional attachment

In his pre-race YouTube video, embedded below, he explains: “Texas has been a special place for me for many reasons – it’s where I earned my pro card in 2013 and first payday in 2014.

“And In 2015 it was a huge win, my first North American title. And that drive home was when I really decided to pursue triathlon full-time and stop moonlighting as a pro.

“It’s a race I did pretty much every year from 2013 through to 2019, with more good memories than bad – and I’m excited to go back.”

Numbers adding up

And the good news for Hanson is that he heads into the race in fine fettle after a seasonal pipe-opener at Challenge Puerto Varas, when he was runner-up to another Brit in the shape of Tom Bishop.

He said: “Training overall has ended up really well. I’ve had a really good last month. Leading into Challenge Puerto Varas I felt I was forcing it a little bit which I think showed in the overall performance and numbers I put out. Clearly you can’t complain too much about a podium but it clearly wasn’t the best I have to offer – which it shouldn’t be in March – but hopefully in Texas it will be.

Challenge Puerto Varas 2023 Pro Men podium - Tom Bishop, Matt Hanson, Mitch Cunningham
Hanson, left, took second place at Puerto Varas [Photo Credit: Challenge Family]

“I went to St George for a quick 10-day camp and things really snapped into place then, the numbers were just there. The power and the speeds I was hitting on the final race sims were on par with where I need them to be.

“So physically I’m in a great place, mentally I’m feeling good so hopefully we’re in a spot where we can go out and just put out the performance that I think I’m capable of – on a course I absolutely love.

“Going into race day with no excuses.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf
PTO reveal ambitions of matching Roth and Kona as French Riviera T100 triathlon course details unveiled
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘No No No’ – Sam Long says he felt ROBBED by swim cancellation at ‘69.1 Chattanooga’
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
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...