The stellar IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside startlists have lost one star name with the news that two-time winner Lionel Sanders misses this Saturday’s showdown in California.

The popular Canadian, who became a father for the first time late last year, shone on his Super League Arena Games debut in Montreal and was then getting right into the mix at CLASH Miami earlier this month before his sudden exit due to a crash on the bike.

‘Decided not to mess around’

But it appears to be sickness rather than those injuries which have ruled him out this weekend as he posted on Instagram:

“Seems like deja vu – started training again last Saturday and then spent all of Sunday in bed. Decided not to mess around and took the rest of the week easy.

“Started again today and feel a lot better but unfortunately this means no Oceanside for me. Excited and grateful to start grinding again.”

As well as his victories in 2016 and 2017, Sanders has also been responsible for some of Oceanside’s most memorable moments, not least his sprint for second last year when he just pipped Rudy Von Berg.

So while his absence is a shame for the race which really launches the season Stateside, it still boasts a formidable field including modern-day great Jan Frodeno who makes his comeback from injury.

And on the women’s side reigning IRONMAN World Champion Chelsea Sodaro makes her return to action as does Britain’s Kat Matthews, following her shocking collision when on a training ride last year.

We’ve got a full preview here along with details on how to watch the action this Saturday.