Search
shop

Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders reveals why he is a ‘no go’ for IRONMAN Texas

'No Limits' says he needs to be kind to his body and swerve full-distance Woodlands race following his Oceanside triumph
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

We noticed earlier this week that Lionel Sanders wasn’t on the IRONMAN Texas start list any more – and now the Canadian superstar has explained why.

The 37-year-old again underlined his enduring talents a week ago when he powered through the deepest field in recent memory at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside for a fourth victory in the iconic California race.

Afterwards he’d said it was all systems go for the next race in the IRONMAN Pro Series – IRONMAN Texas at Woodlands on April 26.

‘I needed every session’

But writing on Instagram a week on from his California heroics, Sanders said: “Unfortunately, Texas wasn’t in the cards for me.

“The night after Oceanside I started getting sick and I’ve had a bad cough ever since. I needed every session between these races.

“My body was kind to me so I need to be kind to it and so I’m giving it the time it needs to recover fully and I’m excited to get back on the line in St. George.

“Good luck to all racing in Texas!”

Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 Finish Line
Lionel Sanders completes a sensational victory at 70.3 Oceanside 2025 (Photo – Getty Images for IRONMAN).

Last dance in St George

70.3 St George takes place on May 10 and will be a very special occasion this year as it will be the final edition of the race.

It’s again the 70.3 North American Championships – for an 11th time – and the venue has also hosted three full IRONMAN races (2010-2012) and three IRONMAN World Championships in the space of 13 months – the 2021 70.3 World Championship, 2021 IRONMAN World Championship, and 2022 70.3 World Championship.

It’s a race close to Sanders’ heart too. He was runner-up in that rescheduled IRONMAN World Championship and is a three-time winner of the 70.3 (2021, 2018 and 2016).

Could he make it four wins, just as he did at Oceanside? We’ll find out in four weeks.

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown Santa Vall gravel race 2025 photo credit Santa Vall and Gravel Earth Series
Kate Waugh and Georgia Taylor-Brown among strong British line-up at T100 London
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
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

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.

£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

£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...