The Christmas festivities will barely be out of the way by the time Sam Long starts his 2024 season.
‘YoYoYo’ is clearly looking to make a flying start to the new campaign as he’s announced he’s racing on the very first weekend of the year.
He’s set to finish 2023 at #9 in the PTO World Rankings after a busy season which saw him race 11 times, with the American notching three IRONMAN 70.3 wins on home soil – at St George, Gulf Coast and Boulder.
But the year was most memorable for the birth of his first child and getting engaged to Lara Gruden.
Stunning location
He’s been back in training for a little while after his off-season and he revealed on Instagram the plans for the early start, saying: “Stoked to announce my next race:
“It’s one of my favorite and most beautiful geographic locations in the world.
“The people and fans are epic.
“See you in Pucon, Chile on January 7th!”
While he obviously loves the area, it will be the first time he’s raced IRONMAN 70.3 Pucon.
Season opener
The start lists have yet to be published for what is the traditional first pro race of the season, with Spain supplying the last two winners on the men’s side in Antonia Benito Lopez and Javier Gomez.
The women’s event has been dominated by home favourite Barbara Riveros who has won it six times since 2015 and is the reigning champion.
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
