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.

Advertisement

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
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Els Visser Challenge Almere Amsterdam
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2025 race preview: all to play for as home town heroes, former champions and long course debutants toe the start line
Hayden Wilde wins T100 French Riviera 2025
Hayden Wilde says it was ‘an honest mistake’ racing in unauthorised prototype shoes
Millie Breese Bristol Super Series 2025
WATCH LIVE as next-gen GB stars battle it out for Super Series titles
Cody Beals wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2022 Photo credit Patrick McDermott / Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Triathlon keeps breaking my heart’ – Canadian star still searching for storybook ending
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
Stars out in force as Supertri goes full circle and heads back to Jersey
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...