Lionel Sanders is well and truly back on track after swerving IRONMAN Texas, and has his sights set firmly on a race return in St George next month.

The 37-year-old rolled back the years with a big win at an ultra-competitive IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside earlier this month.

But he decided to pull out of competing at Texas on April 26 after falling ill, saying he was giving his body “the time it needs to recover fully.’

Sanders back in workout mode

Sanders wanted to focus instead on the 70.3 at St George on May 10 – and was back on the track preparing for it over Easter with ‘Big Unit’ Sam Long.

In a post on his official Instagram account, the Canadian wrote: “A little Easter morning workout with the whole crew gearing up for @ironmantri last edition of 70.3 St. George. #nolimits #yoyoyo.”

That’s a good sign ahead of a race which is close to his heart – Lionel has been a three-time winner of the 70.3 there.

Missing out on Texas was a blow to Sanders, who had desperately wanted a rematch against big rival Kristian Blummenfelt after a flat tyre left the Norwegian superstar unable to compete for the win at Oceanside.

No Texas for Lionel

But writing on Instagram not long after his victory, Sanders said: “Unfortunately, Texas wasn’t in the cards for me.

“The night after Oceanside I started getting sick and I’ve had a bad cough ever since. I needed every session between these races.

“My body was kind to me so I need to be kind to it and so I’m giving it the time it needs to recover fully and I’m excited to get back on the line in St. George.

“Good luck to all racing in Texas!”