Search
shop

Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders considering European move ahead of IRONMAN World Championship bid

The Canadian great could be set for a major move as he prepares for the big dance in Nice.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lionel Sanders is considering a move to Europe later this year as he draws up specialist training plans for September’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France.  

The 37-year-old Canadian superstar, who lives and trains in Tucson, Arizona, is concerned the searing desert heat will not be suitable for his big-race preparations and is already seeking alternatives.

Having started the current season with two impressive wins – at IRONMAN 70.3 at Oceanside and IRONMAN 70.3 St George – he is already planning ahead for a tilt at the world title on the French Riviera.

While his calendar of events will first include IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman on June 8 and IRONMAN in Lake Placid on July 20, it is the prospect of being able to compete for a podium place in Nice which is already exciting him. 

Advertisement

Tucson heat a training issue

And, speaking on his latest YouTube VLOG (watch the full video at the bottom of this page), Lionel explained that Tuscon’s temperatures of close to 100F would make it difficult for him to get in the level of training he would need.

“I think it’s supposed to hit 98F today. The sun is, like, very powerful. It’s probably a UV of 12 or 13 for, like, seven straight, eighth straight hours. You get fried pretty bad.

“Is it ideal for Kona? I mean, I would say it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Kona, but this year is Nice, and I don’t think you can do much outdoor work. You would have to go out very early and the sessions can’t be super long. 

“So for Nice, I don’t think it’s a good idea to train here. And so the question is, where should we go to train? And, I mean, a really logical place that we could go is Europe, potentially ride in the mountains, immerse ourselves in the culture a little bit more, because it certainly is a different culture. 

“We are definitely doing some good hard thinking on possibly heading to Europe. Obviously, I’m going to do Lake Placid, so it would be after Placid, but from post-Placid through to post-Nice the question is, where should we go?”

Possible destinations for Lionel

Sanders has made a terrific start to his 2025 season and he is determined to leave nothing to chance ahead of Nice – even if he hasn’t quite decided on where in Europe he would set up camp.  

“There’s obviously a lot of great places to go in Europe,” he said.

“The logical one, in my mind, for a first-timer who’s gonna actually spend some time somewhere, is Girona. I feel like everyone, every triathlete has gone to Girona at some point and it seems to be tried and tested. 

“So that seems like a logical first option, to spend some time in Europe. But I could be wrong. Maybe there’s something better. Maybe there’s something even more conducive. The one thing is the mountain. If you’re going to go all the way to Europe, then at least ride in the mountains, you know? 

“Andorra’s another possibility as it is pretty close to Girona as well. You could maybe even do a little bit of both. So that’s kind of where I’m leaning right now.”

Advertisement

Family considerations

And while his European wish list includes all the requirements you would expect for such big-race preparation, there is also the need for cultural and family time.  

“I will need somewhere to do some technical riding – although I am going to also bring my rollers and will be able to do much of the quality on them – and I will need a track and a pool situation that is accessible and has decent opening hours. 

“It also needs to be family friendly, as we’re bringing the little boy, and Erin’s parents are gonna come too. So if we could also have something culturally interesting, you know, to see some stuff and have some fun, eat some good food, that kind of thing.” 

Sanders finished second in the 2017 and 2021 IRONMAN World Championships in Kona and St George respectively, while he also won the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship in 2017. 

Matthew Reeder
Written by
Matthew Reeder
Matt Reeder is a seasoned journalist and editor with more than 30 years’ experience working for regional newspapers and websites, including a 12-year stint as Group Sports Editor of The Yorkshire Post
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
Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
Huge injury update as Canadian triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms brutal diagnosis
Sam Dickinson second place ironman 703 jonkoping 2025
British Olympic hero Sam Dickinson bidding for home glory at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
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
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...