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]

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
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
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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.

£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

£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...