Search
shop

Lionel Sanders says he is committed to the process after IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside victory

Lionel Sanders (CAN) reflects on his performance at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, where he secured his third title at the event in emphatic fashion.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

After a stunning victory at the first race of the IRONMAN Pro Series in Oceanside, fan favourite Lionel Sanders admitted the game had changed since he last won in Southern California.

Back in 2017, Sanders was victorious in 3:50:04, but had to go almost four minutes quicker on Saturday as the top four finishers were within his winning time from seven years ago.

Attributing his progress to his hard work and dedication, the Windsor native commented that whilst he was still trying to piece together the puzzle in training, the picture was becoming slowly clearer.

Advertisement

“The game has changed”

Up against stiff competition in the form of North American rivals Sam Long and Jackson Laundry, plus Belgian Olympian Jelle Geens, Sanders said he had to work every step of the way in Oceanside.

“I mean the game has changed, when I won here it was quite a while ago now and it feels like it was a long time ago, so I’ve had to work at every three discipline to come back here and win however many years later.

“The competition is amazing now, there’s no room for weakness, no room for mental weakness and I had to fight hard right to the finish, so it’s a very sweet victory.” 

“Swimming is by far the most difficult to improve”

After putting together what he described as a near career best swim, Mr “No Limits” broke down the hard work it has taken to bring his ability in the water up to a level where it is competitive.

Lionel Sanders at the press conference ahead of 70.3 World Championship 2023
[Photo credit: Ville Kashkivirta / IRONMAN]

“As you know, swimming is by far the most difficult to improve if you don’t have any talent like myself. It is an extreme work in progress and through this week I am averaging 33km a week.

“That’s not all of the puzzle, but certainly a part of it is working hard at what you’re not very good at, so that’s what I’ve been doing. I’m committed to continuing to progress, and there’s no room for weakness, you just have to work.” 

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
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 women’s results: Kat Matthews a class apart
Harry Palmer wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 men’s results: Britain’s Harry Palmer defends title in style
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
WATCH AGAIN: IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea as Matthews and Palmer take the titles
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...