Lionel Sanders's change of direction
After his victory in the IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, Lionel Sanders has announced that resigns from competing in the HOMBRE DE HIERRO Texas this weekend. The reason: an infection that seriously affected him after the Californian race.
“I started with a sore throat on race day and then was sick for almost two weeks,” he explained.
The Canadian tried to get back to training, but realized his body needed more time: “I tried to do a set at 360W for two minutes and ended up with my fingers throbbing from lack of oxygen.”
Victory in Oceanside and forced break
His victory in Oceanside was a grand return, but it also left its mark.
In addition to him, several members of his team fell ill. The break caused him to lose 23 CTL (Chronic Training Load) points, something he would have tried to compensate for in other seasons by pushing himself.
Not this time. Sanders is clear: “I’ve learned this lesson before, but now I truly feel it.” That’s why he has renounced the IRONMAN Pro Series, and has decided to compete wisely.
A new, smarter approach
Instead of repeating a calendar Sanders has decided to choose his battles wisely. He will do just one Ironman before Nice: Lake Placid, due to its mountainous profile. And after St. George, it will focus on Eagleman and a concentration in Marbella before the World Cup.
"I don't want to compete just for money. If my motivation is financial, I'm on the wrong path," he says.
St. George, the Canadian's favorite race
St. George It is a special race for Lionel SandersHe has won it three times and is returning with enthusiasm. On social media, he shared his Easter training sessions with Sam long, preparing “the final edition of IRONMAN 70.3 St. George.”
Final goal: IRONMAN Nice
At 37, Sanders has put his competitive ego behind him and is committed to a meaningful season. “I don't want to train sick or compete unprepared anymore. I've done it before, and it's not worth it anymore.”
His gaze is set on the IRONMAN World Championship Nice, where he hopes to arrive in the best possible shape.
