Search
shop

Lionel Sanders reveals magic numbers as ‘No Limits’ goes aero testing in the need for speed

Lionel Sanders is back aero testing in his quest to be better
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Lionel Sanders has shared some positive results in his most recent YouTube video following a series of aero tests with time trial expert Marc Graveline as the Canadian looks to turn raw power into speed.

Dismayed by recent results, notably a never-dangerous third behind Mika Noodt at IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta, that he would not race again until he has something better to show. That appears to be a promise he is set to keep.

During the testing, Graveline monitored the two-time IRONMAN World Championship runner-up’s CdA (a metric used to assess aerodynamics) in a variety of different positions with some very interesting results.

Sanders testing debrief

Explaining the reasoning behind the testing in his latest YouTube video, Sanders said he wants thorough data to give him a better idea of where he is now, before he tries to make gains. The results were fascinating (watch the full video debrief below).

“What I want is thorough data. If it turns out that there’s nothing to be had, it’s all good and there’s no problem there. But first, I need thorough data which is what we’re doing. The future is bright, when you’re starting from zero, with very little testing data.

“After, you then have to catch up and to do that you have to do a lot of work. Previously I have been hesitant, or not even hesitant more like unwilling, to do the work, but now it is so pressing that I am forced to do the work.”

Lionel’s CdA, which over the course of his last three middle-distance races in Lahti, Michigan and Augusta had been calculated to be around 0.230, was the first thing that needed to be worked on.

New is not always better

The reason CdA is so important is because by lowering it, you can attain greater speeds for the same power input. Over the course of a middle-distance triathlon, a 0.010 difference in CdA can easily be the difference between winning or losing.

Lionel Sanders bike 703 Worlds 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
[Photo credit: Talbot Cox}

Initially, testing for Sanders showed data points consistent with what had been calculated from previous race efforts. Then, when lowering his handlebar angle to just 15 degrees, a substantial difference was seen.

In a similar position to the way the Canadian had previously rode in the late 2010s, his CdA was bought down to 0.211 in the first test, 0.214 in the second test, 0.209 in the third test and 0.212 in the fourth test.

“When I go to the race, push 360w and my CDA is 0.200 and I have the fastest bike split by two minutes, that’s when I’ll say that data makes sense! I feel like my whole career I’ve had a lot of luck. I feel like I got lucky with my first position, and I rode decently well in the beginning, but that was luck though.” 

Further testing, which included switching aero helmets, pushed Sanders under the 0.200 barrier, with the first test in a different helmet calculated at 0.201, followed by a 0.198. Next comes the drive to turn data potential into race reality.

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
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
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
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit supertri
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
challenge roth race ranger
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Triathlon legend and current world record holder Anne Haug announces her retirement
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...