Search
shop

Sam Long reveals the big reason behind his major T100 vs IRONMAN Pro Series decision for 2025

'The Big Unit' has announced the big decision on his triathlon schedule for 2025.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long has just completed the most gruelling of triathlon seasons in 2024, but taking it easier in 2025 is clearly not an option.

‘The Big Unit’ toed the line 11 times over the past 12 months, with the focus on the T100 Series with more than a little IRONMAN action thrown in.

That new T100 series did not come easy for the American superstar, notably because it highlighted the big weakness in his arsenal, particularly over middle distances. The swim.

Sam was regularly exiting the water alone in T100 combat, for the wrong reasons, with a significant gap to make up on his rivals. The most stark example was Lake Las Vegas in October, where he ended the opening leg well over five minutes down on the front pack.

Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
[Photo Credit – PTO]
Advertisement

Sam Long on 2025 schedule

Long though will not be deterred in the goal of improving his weakness, and that he says is why he has signed with T100 for another season rather than heading for what likely would be the more comfortable surrounds of the equally new IRONMAN Pro Series.

Sam’s big long-distance goal for the early part of 2025 is already ticked off, a factor which may have played into his decision. His victory at IRONMAN Chattanooga in September secured his place on the start line for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.

Writing in a post on his Instagram account, Long revealed: “There is no growth in comfort.

“I have signed with @t100triathlon for another year.

“I believe this tour is the best thing to further my development as an athlete and especially the swim.
By competing in races that highlights my weaknesses it will strengthen me. The tour will also harden my mind. And I love being part of it; with the great broadcasts and athlete care.

“As I am already qualified for @ironmantri World Champs I will then remove the handicap and hope to shine. I will also race a few other key races on the Ironman circuit (but not chase pro series).

“Thank you all for your valuable input!”

Sam Long 2024 results

Long’s best T100 performances in 2024 came at the very start of the year, second-place finishes in both Miami and Singapore. After that, seeing him roar through the field after making up that big deficit on the swim became a regular thing. Notably when he finished sixth in Las Vegas after that miserable start.

The three victories he claimed during 2024 all came in IRONMAN events, over the full distance in Chattanooga along with 70.3 successes in Pucon and St George.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
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?
Best late season triathlons – round up race season with these middle and short distance races
latest News
Hayden Wilde WTCS French Riviera run 2025
‘Anything is possible’ says Hayden Wilde after epic shot at T100 and WTCS double header
Tommy Fury T100 French Riviera 2025
‘Do not shy away’ – Tommy Fury on his ‘AMAZING’ T100 debut on French Riviera
Ashleigh Gentle top step of podium after T100 French Riviera 2025
Aussie star Ashleigh Gentle never lost faith she could return to top of T100 podium
Steven McKenna at pre-race press conference 703 Worlds 2023 [Photo credit: Ville Kashkivirta / IRONMAN]
Aussie triathlon star resists sprint finish with Olympic champ Sifan Hassan as he aces Sydney Marathon
Cassandre Beaugrand wins WTCS French Riviera 2025
WTCS French Riviera 2025 women’s results: Home win for Olympic champion Beaugrand
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...