Sam Long dominates at La Quinta and defeats a tremendous Lionel Sanders in his return

El HOMBRE DE HIERRO 70.3 La Quinta 2025 crowned the American Sam long, who staged a spectacular comeback to beat Lionel Sanders in their long-awaited return to competition.

The 2025 IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta once again brought together a top-tier lineup in the middle of December. In a race marked by the Californian desert heat and the return of Lionel Sanders After a long break due to injury, the absolute protagonist ended up being Sam long, who offered a display of strength and confidence to take a victory of enormous value.

A fast swim that left everything open.

The young man Carter Stuhlmacher She exited the water with a surprising 22:14, leaving the rest more than two minutes behind. Despite this, the real difference between the favorites was minimal: Long y Sanders They started about three minutes behind, though barely a minute behind the main group. Everything was set for a decisive cycling stage.

Long unleashes chaos on the bike

The American needed very little to shake up the race. He went from 20th to 2nd place in just a few kilometers, riding with power and determination. SandersFor his part, he recovered positions with a pedaling style that at times recalled his best version.

The quartet Long – Sanders – Laundry – Scarabino It stayed together until T2, making it clear that the podium would come from that group.

The anticipated duel: Long vs Sanders

The footrace offered the image everyone wanted to see: Long and Sanders almost shoulder to shoulder. It was the Canadian's first real test after six months without competing.

Sanders held on for the first few kilometers, but Long was on another level. His half marathon of 1:10:38The fastest of the day was the key to victory.

Sanders returns to the podium in his comeback

Despite his limited running preparation, the Canadian fought until the end. He couldn't keep up with Long, but he did put up a thrilling fight for second place against Jackson Laundry, whom he overtook in the final part.

Men's Results IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta 2025

 

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A triumph of authority

The victory confirms the excellent level of Sam longwhich continues to solidify its position as one of the world's leading middle-distance races. SandersThe race marks a triumphant return, demonstrating that their competitiveness remains intact after months of uncertainty.

Kirsten Kasper wins in women's category

The women's competition delivered a very solid performance from Kirsten Kasper, who was making his debut at the distance. who, with the second-best time in the running leg, achieved victory with a time of 4:06:08.

She followed her in Amelie Kretz, with a final time of 4:07:37, followed by Anna Buettner, who closed the podium with 4:08:20.

Women's Results IRONMAN 70.3 La Quinta 2025