Search
shop

‘Huge middle-distance season’ beckons for Sam Long as he rules out Lake Placid

The world number six has revealed he will focus on middle-distance racing for the rest of this season and won't target the IMWC in Nice.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long has confirmed he’s all-in on middle distance racing for the rest of this year – and will resist the temptation to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.

Three flat tyres scuppered the ‘Big Unit’ at IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene last weekend as he was a DNF in a race won by Chris Leiferman.

Advertisement

Clear focus

That left him still needing to qualify if he wanted to take part in the first IMWC to be held in Nice.

And the only remaining North American option is IRONMAN Lake Placid on 23 July.

But writing on Instagram, Long said: “My plan remains unchanged. I will not pursue Lake Placid as many have suspected and will focus fully on a huge middle distance championships season.”

The 70.3 Worlds will take place in Lahti, Finland this year on 27 August while the PTO US Open three weeks earlier could be another prime target, though much more important than that is the fact that he and partner Lara Gruden are expecting their first child in the near future which could obviously dictate the race schedule.

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]

Looking forward

The 27-year-old American is up to #6 in the PTO rankings after a season which has featured three straight wins, all of them at middle distance.

And he of course has unfinished business with the 70.3 Worlds after that contentious bike penalty which dropped him out of contention in St George last year, 12 months on from his second place in the event behind Gustav Iden.

But he bounced back from that day and it sounds like he’s doing the same following last weekend’s frustrations, adding on Instagram: “I’ve moved past this setback the best of any in my career. Focus on what you can control and I had no control in 3 flats.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
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
Oliver Conway wins u23 race wtcs wollongong 2025
British phenom bags incredible solo victory to win U23 world title in Wollongong
Beth Potter wins WTCS Weihai 2025
Beth Potter primed for Wollongong world title showdown with Cassandre Beaugrand
Alex Yee champagne WTCS Grand Final 2024 Torremolinos photo credit World Triathlon
London calling: WTCS racing returns to the UK from 2026 onwards
Podium Beaugrand Potter Lombardi WTCS Grand Final Torremolinos 2024 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Grand Final Wollongong 2025: Date, start times and how to watch live as it all goes down to the wire
Ashleigh Gentle wins T100 French Riviera 2025
Wollongong T100: Date, start times and how to watch live on double-header weekend
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

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...