Search
shop

PTO Tour vs IRONMAN Pro Series: Sam Long commits to 2024 racing calendar

American middle distance star Sam Long commits to PTO Tour in 2024.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long becomes the latest top pro athlete to share his intentions for the season, with the American star recently announcing his plans on YouTube.

With the PTO Tour and new IRONMAN Pro Series leaving athletes spoilt for choice when it comes to racing in 2024, many are focusing on maximising their talent at one of the two series.

For Long, who had been so successful at both the PTO Tour and IRONMAN events over the past season, the decision to prioritise one over the other can’t have come easily.

Advertisement

“I’m looking forward to a lot of things”

Revealing his plans after a candid video evaluating his past season, Long shared that he is firmly focused on the middle distance scene in 2024, with a particular focus on the 100km distance.

Sam Long wins IRONMAN 70.3 St George 2023 photo credit Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images for IRONMAN
[Photo credit: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images for IRONMAN]

“Overall, it was a great year and next year I’m looking forward to a lot of things. I have a lot of decisions to make, but I think I am going to focus on the PTO Series and double down on the IRONMAN 70.3 distance and the 100km, mostly focused on the PTO.

“I think I still did quite well in 2023 and I’m ending the year ranked PTO World #9, so three years in the top 10, but the missing piece for me has been getting a podium on the world stage this year.” 

With the PTO Tour recognised as the official World Championship Tour of long distance triathlon in 2024, Long will get the opportunity to chase the podium on the world stage that he has been vying for.

In the meantime, with the full PTO Tour schedule still unannounced, Long will be honing his craft over the traditional middle distance, with the Boulder native racing his first event of the year this weekend in Chile at IRONMAN 70.3 Pucon.

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
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
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...