Search
shop

Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms next race as he recovers from IRONMAN Texas KO

Canadian Sanders hit the track with training partner Sam Long after swerving IRONMAN Texas through illness
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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.’

Advertisement

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.

Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders celebrates an epic victory at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 (Photo – Getty Images for IRONMAN).

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!”

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
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
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
Alex Yee shows he’s on track for marathon PB with top 20 finish in Valencia half
Imogen Simmonds - T100 San Francisco 2024 finish line
Swiss star Imogen Simmonds free to compete after ITA “no fault or negligence” verdict
Challenge Family Jort
Challenge Family looking to help next generation with race discounts for students
Casper Stornes Kristian Blummenfelt Gustav Iden IRONMAN World Championship in Nice 2025
Why IRONMAN World Champion Casper Stornes keeps his medals and trophies locked away
Taylor Knibb Lucy Charles Barclay run IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2025
Coaching great on facing tough moments together after Kona heartbreak for LCB and Knibb
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...