Best Battle Of My Career || Thoughts after 70.3 St. George

[@TalbotCoxMedia]

Just want to personally thank everyone for following the race week series as well as watching these videos. The more you watch comments and hit the like button helps us! Cant wait until the next race week already! See you out there!

[@moizinho_gab]

Thank YOU my man!

[@thomasprudhomme2247]

Congrats Talbot, hugeeee level up since your first videos with Lionel, those videos (and yourself) deserve more support from the Pro world, those "race week series" are amazing to watch ! Cheers from Belgium man

[@guglielmoschiavoni2748]

Thank you Talbot, Lionel and all the pros for doing this! It has been an amazing weekend out there!! Can’t wait for the next one

[@adammann6628]

Thanks for putting this together, Talbot! Every high quality video you release puts pressure on Ironman and Challenge to elevate their coverage, and we appreciate that. Your footage of the end of this race was better than anything Ironman had!

[@mattharker5216]

Lionel (with your help, Talbot) is the Coner Mcgregor of triathlon. The St. George Race Series vids were so generous to other athletes and really helped hype this race. Additionally, the battle that happened at the front of this race changed triathlon and should send a clear message to the field that if you can't deliver a race like that, don't show up. Thanks again for the great vids! PS Talbot, give some advice to Matt Hanson on how to make a video:)

[@jeffcarrol4263]

Talbot provides better coverage than Ironman

[@alfredovaldesislas253]

TOTALLY true! 🙊

[@greggshaw284]

SPOT ON! Listening to those commentators was painful!

[@rocajl34]

100%

[@tylerpelfrey6868]

So much better. Way to go Talbot!

[@juancarlosramirezdenigris6867]

fr

[@sarabt]

Seeing Lionel cry felt like seeing my dad cry for the first time

[@getupandtri3208]

I can be sure of two things: the sun will always rise, and Lionel will give his ALL in every race. The last couple miles between Lionel and Sam will be instilled in triathlon-lore for years. Also, that raw emotion at the end of the race was truly inspiring.

[@kristianolauson4494]

Awesome mentor for Sam to have. Discipline, humility, integrity, and incredible willpower are all attributes that most of us admire about Lionel and it's nice to see Sam adopting these qualities as revealed in his recent videos (I'm sure his parents had something to do with this as well :) ). Definitely becoming a fan of the young fella. He will make Kona interesting if not this year in the years to come. Big thanks to Talbot for bringing us a closer look into the minds and routines of these two inspiring humans.

[@amblincork]

I am afraid Sam Long doesnt show the same humility and discipline in his conments as Lionel

[@CG-99]

@@amblincork I disagree, try watching his videos, on the surface Sam is of course all loud mouthed and in your face, but beyond that he is really showing in the latest videos some real humility beneath the surface.

[@rogerc23]

@@amblincork correct, especially now, he's literally making videos insulting Lionel, saying he swims faster than him and that Lionel isn't anything in Ironman and that Sam has bigger fish to fry. Ignorant and delusional.

[@korywalsh]

That was a four hour race separated by 5 freaking seconds. Absolutely amazing. What a great moment for the sport. Really happy that places like KZbin give you guys an outlet to showcase the sport

[@pi1231]

Goosebumps. Congratulations Lionel. The lip quiver while hugging Sam is everything this sport is about. Grit, determination, sportsmanship. What a fantastic recap. Well done Talbot. Thanks so much.

[@bryanhowarth4767]

Talbot and Lionel. You guys are doing great things for the sport of triathlon and I hope more and more people start to watch and support not only you guys but the entire triathlon community. These series videos are fantastic and inspiring and I personally want to thank you both for the work you put in to bringing this sport into the lives of so many people.

[@covboy70]

Somehow that 5k series, and the speed you developed as a result, nows seems more relevant than ever. Kudos to you both. I am a keen and reasonably good AG Olympic and MD competitor. I have been going through some issues during lockdown that have meant I have completely lost any motivation for the sport. Your videos give me that impetus to keep going.

[@christopherscott8533]

One of the most inspiring races in memory. Thank you Lionel for helping to lift the covers and show the incredible athletes and people moving our sport forward! No limits!

[@tri_camp_user.001]

So good to hear "executed my nutrition plan" vs. "didn't take on any hydration". Love it. An awesome event to be remembered. Thanks for letting us swim, ride and run along.

[@dipardo49]

Fuck in spain it's at 1am, but I'm sure it's worth waiting!! U are my idol Lionel 🙌🏻

[@Gu7ller]

No eres el único jaja

[@jeuelc]

Sam was running as hard as he can. But the Lion was just keeping pace and waiting for the right time to attack! What a performance. Great battle!

[@michaelcallaghan4336]

I'm definitely deeply impressed by Lionel's athletism - it's amazing. But I'm even more impressed by the way he talks here: so much discussion about other athletes, the age groupers, the good of the sport, and so on. He's an awesome ambassador for triathlon.

[@juanseaforth5111]

I had to cancel a 7pm work meeting so I don’t miss this live!!

[@michaelnischt6207]

16:43 Wow, what great sportmanship from Lionel... Sam mentioned it in his video but let's take notice of it here as well!! Respect Lionel!!

[@thomasdamato9430]

Lionel , it’s because of you I started watching triathlon and now more than ever you all have made this sport so exciting. Love it , it’s time move over nba,nfl, baseball, make room for 70.3 because it’s a new era. Let’s get excited. Comment, subscribe, support, follow because you get to tell these great athletes how they inspire you and maybe motivate you to be more physical and burn some calories they bring us into there lives into there homes and show us how it’s done. So to Lionel and Sam and all of the rest congrats on a super event, looking so forward to the next one. You all are truly professionals.

[@rogerc23]

Totally agree. Tri is so much better than those sports.

[@andrew3491]

Your race week videos bring the needed context and personality to this sport. Seeing you and Sam battle it out was epic. I'm a fan of both of you guys, seeing you battle and win was special. Keep on being awesome.

[@philipp-christopherdeeke2210]

Absolutely increadible. The official lifestream didn't reflect the intensity of the final ks. Talbots footage is what this epic battle deserved. You three gave us more than we could ever ask for. Thank you!

[@tomasvalve930]

Said it before. This channel is triathlon! Amazing coverage and pure honesty from Lionel. Good questions Talbot👍

[@imterribee]

This recap gave me just as many chills as watching you and Sam cross that finish line. Amazing race!! By the way... I was riding my gravel bike past all that traffic in the morning to make it to the swim start in time to watch. Had I known you were in one of those cars I would have given my bike to you.

[@bodhizafa6323]

When a legend like Lionel makes a rookie mistake of arriving late. It shows that these guys are still human like the rest of us. Massive inspiration . Sanders the LION!!

[@jaredfink5146]

As a mid 40’s guy who went from obese a year and a half ago to getting ready to travel to Panama City Beach for the 70.3 there on the 15th I find Lionel’s videos crazy inspiring. The St. George race was amazing! Watching Lionel pull away from Sam and then seeing Sam in the background as Lionel took the banner was on an EPIC level. Then seeing the human inside them both, as friends, share an embrace and emotional few seconds took it to new heights. Sam’s ego annoys me at times, but I gotta hand it to him, he ran an incredible race. Talbot, keep these videos coming so old dudes like me can continue to be inspired.

[@andrewhancox]

Good luck with your race. I’m sure you are inspiring those around you to.

[@jaredfink5146]

@@andrewhancox, people tell me what I'm doing is inspiring, but if you say you're inspired but don't actually go and do anything, were you really inspired? I'm excited to race. I've been obese for about half of my adult life, so being able to even complete in a half distance triathlon/70.3 is cool, but I've gotten to the point that I'm actually trying to figure out how hard I can push myself for a good time. Well, good time for me. hehe

[@VanillaSky23ffm]

Can’t wait, going to be awesome, just watched Sams video and it really was an epic fight we haven’t seen a long time

[@andrewhancox]

Your desire to constantly improve and become a better athlete is so inspiring. As a 48 year age grouper, chasing a sub 10 hour IM in Cairns in 4 weeks, I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to let us have a peak into your world. To see you make a rookie mistake on race day, regroup and then crush it, is so awesome. Keep doing what you are doing brother.

[@honebeadsmith5937]

Ari always giving mad props to how incredible an athlete you are. So nice of you to give him a nod as well! Grats Lionel. You are amazing! I loved the show of emotion at the end. Was evident to everyone just what a terrific battle had unfolded. You are truly an ironman.

[@andrewvanburen5096]

This race made me an official fan of triathlon!

[@charlieb5986]

Lionel, Sam and Talbot. Huge respect for the three of you.

[@ryanburrey985]

This race series has done more for triathlon and building interest than anything I’ve seen in sport. Being a huge triathlon fan I shared the series with family and friends who do not swim bike or run and they where totally into it. They literally yelled at the tv when the race was on. As a triathlon fan it was nice to see some of the other athletes who are total studs that do not have huge KZbin presence. Also big thanks for showing Holly Lawrence my fav ❤️

[@bakerdj80]

Can’t wait to watch this five times.

[@tonymolyneux8573]

Loved the look on lionel's face after giving sam a hug.true grit.that's what the sport is about

[@aldude9511]

The bit at the end about needing the fans around is great to know. I started following the channel during the prep for the hour record and since then have gotten way into triathlon. The coverage from the Challenge family was great to see and I hope Ironman can learn something from them. And a big shout out to Talbot for all his work on these Race Week series. They are fantastic to watch and I love that the other races want to be involved in it as well.

[@magrovsck]

Sanders' passion when talking about the sport is amazing!

[@equipeprorunner]

A MA ZING!!!!!!!! AWESOME! real people with good hearts!!!! Congratulations Lionel, Sam and Talbot! Cheers 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Just an incredible win... So fun to watch. No one suffers like Lionel. Love seeing the process of going back to basics. I think it will play out in a Kona win in 21-22.

[@normanbayvel8727]

Lionel U changing this sport and the the way it’s viewed and followed in a Huge way - what a Brilliant race - massive balls 😎😎😎🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@robertandyjustus]

I've watched it many times. Never gets old. Congratulations on an Epic finish and win!!!!

[@rogerc23]

Lol too true. I’ve watched that run at least 8 times and the full race 2-3.

[@BruceGeffen]

That was the BEST! And so are you, Lionel, Talbot, and all Lionel's team!

[@stevenmurray1516]

Next to watching Jahn out duel Simon at the Beijing Olympics watching you and Sam battling it out in a similar way in a 70.3 no less was almost as epic!! I’ve been a fan of you both (you since you’re early years) and as 57 year old higher level Nova Scotia runner and triathlete and 30 + year coach of high school track and cross country I truly thought with his great form and downhill finish I was expecting Sam to get the win! Nonetheless once it flattened out your relentless grit not to get dropped ended in again you going to places the rest of us “competitors “ can only dream of and you WON ! Congratulations on your Epic win and thanks for all the up and close insights on your training etc. I’m certain if you had lost it wouldn’t feel as satisfying but even if Sam had one in my mind you both are Champions of our sport👏👏

[@knickitiknack]

This has to be one of the best race summaries. Well executed race, humble and no BS recap. Love your passion.

[@CG-99]

Super job Lionel and Talbot, you guys are giving the sport such a huge boost, doing more for triathlon promotion to a wider audience than the combined efforts of the Ironman and Challenge marketing depts put together!! I especially like the appearances of other pros into your videos, it is not only about Lionel, that is super generous of you to give them that extra exposure and makes the videos even more awesome for those of us watching!!

[@joshuafoulds8107]

I watched the last 5k a bunch of times already. Chills every time.

[@midsfella]

The shear speed that Sam overtakes Rudy and Lionel is insane...... Wow 💪💪💪

[@anibalhernandez6858]

It’s just impressive the way Lionel Sanders work, executes and follows up his road map to win the game in a competitive sport. Congratulations Lionel Sanders!!! I know there is a lot of young guys around but you are the BEST IN CLASS!!!

[@Terrilyn_Austen]

I have watched this race half a dozen times already! I listened on Facebook as I did my brick workout and literally walked in to see you battling on the last 5K. That is the most EPIC battle I have seen for the finish line EVER!! Thank you for such an awesome race!

[@jaimhirschman3140]

So glad to see that your days of repeatedly making the same nutritional/ training mistakes are in the past and it's clear that you have an even brighter and more successful future! Keep it up Lionel!

[@corbingetz3123]

The video we've been waiting for

[@theflorentine5047]

Yeh well , We will remember this one for ever!!! What a battle , what a war!!!! Total commitment to your race!

[@sct246]

I was glad to be able to stream this on Facebook and experience this race live. Meanwhile on TV this weekend sailing, bull riding and cornhole! Are you kidding?

[@Miekzz]

18:58 i'm not crying you're crying!!! In all seriousness amazing series. Thanks

[@CFCMahomet]

Swim: a little frustrated... Bike: a little disappointed... Run: are these guys sprinting.... Wins Race.

[@richardbromley7001]

This has really changed my mind as a sceptical viewer of Triathlon coming from a single discipline background. I watched a few of Lionel's videos in the build up more to see what training looked like and without a great interest in the racing itself. Lionel's story, the relationship between Sam and Lionel and the race itself has certainly pricked my interest. I think Lionel's comments in terms of where he hopes the sport can go and how it is currently viewed matches what I hear from outside the Tri community. Great stuff.

[@stevomcg8767]

Love it - so love the build up, the race was epic and the coverage that you Lionel and others are putting together is just awesome. Providing such great insights into the fab sport that is triathlon. The endless hard work is just inspiring. Love how you are elevating the sport and bringing it to the fans. I talk to everyone I meet about the awesome Lionel Sanders you tube content. Plus many others. Respect!! Keep up the awesome work. #nolimits.

[@timmclaughlin1787]

Wow, what an ending! Gota love a happy ending. Way to Go Lionel Sanders for a smashing run and all the great insights along the way even with your watts on the bike. Well Done.

[@shawnozbun]

Best race I have ever watched live, and the Talbot coverage was even better than that. Thanks!

[@critercat]

My favorite thing about the race week series was Lionel using his channel (which is huge by triathlon standards) to feature other pros. Truly selfless on his part and mutually beneficial, as it made the series much more interesting (driving view for Lionel) and brought these other pros a lot of exposure, driving people to their sites. Can't wait for the next one!

[@kevincashatt7040]

Just watched this for the second time. Lionel’s commentary is awesome! Especially the end where he says about the finish. I usually want to crush the banner to the ground but this time with tears just get it out of here. So funny the way he said it while he is watching himself. So good! So good!

[@theatricshrink]

Crazy how everyone is upping their game. Lionel, Sam all the guys competing as well as Talbot. This coverage is awesome! Thanks

[@scubascott1098]

That was the best triathlon I've ever watched. Thanks to Lionel an Sam for pushing so deep and making it exciting, and to Talbot and IM for the great coverage. I took a break from the sport in 2020, and was until recently, I was thinking I may never get back into it, but honestly this race made me super excited about the sport again!

[@tinygorillacake]

This is the gold standard of tri videos. Absolutely amazing. Thank you and to everyone for this. 👍

[@ponderingfox]

Man, this whole thing was so amazing.

[@hudsonrogers1615]

Lionel and Talbot are making Triathlon even more fun to watch, this race build-up was great! Especially with all the other big names in tri making an appearance. What a great duo who are working to achieve a dream that triathlon deserves so much!

[@amblincork]

It is nice to see Lionel analyse a race without expressing or frustration at his performance and good to see him gets his nutrition strategy right - looking forward to Kona this year and hopefully Lionel will be in good form and raring to go !!

[@cyclox73]

Epic epic battle!

[@KlemenSuligojTri]

Lionel, you're my man, my idol, my champ. Congratulations, stay strong and awesome 😄💪👏

[@cmidkiss]

Love, love, love! Epic battle! Videography is rich! And ads were held to the end of video.. yaasss 🙌

[@LucasSavelli]

It's so awesome and motivating to see your evolution as an athlete, but much more as a human being! Your change of mindset it's beautiful. Keep going, Lionel!!

[@nurseboogy]

I was volunteering at the medical tent there and it always kills me how much worse the pros look at the finish line versus the age groupers lol. Ya'll are a rare breed knowing how to use the WHOLE gas tank. To be that confident in your body is a true thing of beauty! Thanks for the continued inspiration.

[@plg3219]

Absolutely brilliant. Loved to see yours and sams perspectives independently and your respect for the ‘young guns’. Great for the sport and great to watch

[@Sanko1960]

Thank you, Lionel, for your detailed, complete recap of your experience and your intelligent observations and thank you, Talbot and Antony Costes, for the amazing footage. Your videos provide so much motivation and inspiration as I complete my own workouts with these images and your words in my mind.

[@colinland256]

Amazing recap! Congratulations Lionel. Thanks to you and Talbot for posting all these videos. They are definitely the best out there.

[@jayy8829]

"awww get this banner outta here" lol

[@MR-wh5wp]

That made me LOL so hard 🤣

[@scottmcatasney1780]

Love the race, love the series. You guys are creating the interest in the sport. I've been dying to hear your post race report since Saturday. Well done and thank you for the inspiration.

[@jeanloupantoine6195]

Inspiration is a word, Lionel is the expression of that

[@troywallace705]

Great rundown of the race. That was a bad ass race and performance. Hope to see more content, including the other pros you are training with in Tuscon. This whole race series was very well done and a lot of fun to watch. Might be a format worth repeating in the future. Great race Lionel and awesome job on the videos Talbot!

[@YellowMafia]

Lionel you are an inspiration to thousands of people and you are doing a lot more then most for this great sport! Congrats on the win! Talbot great footage as usual!

[@Natalie-rl7dq]

quite possibly the BEST battle I have ever watched outside of Kona!!! You guys were AMAZING!!!!!

[@kevinterry5746]

The Battle for St George was epic! Congratulations to Lionel and Sam and the athletes. It's great to see the return of competition! I'm excited to see what the future battles will bring.

[@eira777]

What an amazing race to watch! Thank you Lionel and Sam for leaving everything out there, thank you Talbot for capturing it for us!

[@sjozar]

That was excellent. Thanks for all the peering into the behind the scenes.

[@davidmostertvlogs1319]

That shot from above where that should the lead group perfectly spaced out was gorgeous

[@DoughertySteve]

I am a big fan of yours. You are so honest and capable of describing your thinking. I could appreciate the emotion at the finish. It was so inspiring to see you and Sam give it everything.

[@mpk4076]

RESPECT. As a triathlete who had to stop 20 years ago due to knee problems - it's so brilliant to see where the sport is today. Absolutely inspiring and motivating! Hope I can cheer you/Lionel on in Roth sometime.

[@Manakaiser]

lionel is such a fantastic ambassador for Triathlon! Great vid as always!

[@chrisgilligan4968]

Incredible race....the effort you're both putting in, and the ability to block out the pain and go deep into the pain locker is unbelievable. I've been watching your content for a while - thanks for putting out great stuff to inspire and bring knowledge to the amateur ranks!!

[@iN00bman]

Great race - had such a fun time watching the final 5k live!

[@davidmurray3685]

This race. This video, its why I enjoy following your channel Lionel. You're a lovely human being brother and a phenomenal racer

[@kimsmith6967]

Can't wait! Love the videos. You need to race IM Tulsa so that we can watch another battle. Hell, IM should pay you more for elevating the sport of triathlon!

[@kyalamistudio]

Huge congrats from Oz, what a battle well deserved mate!

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Great athletic expression of what the human spirit can endure!!! Thank you for what you do!!!

[@Jakebrah]

I'm 36 i wish i'd got into this sport earlier, hats off to lionel very entertaining and inspiring cheers

[@watereddown1s]

Great sportsmanship, Lionel. New respect for you man! Big props for going deep into the well and putting on a beautiful show of athleticism that only HARD WORK and PROFESSIONALISM can acquire. Thank you for building this platform for future Canadian athletes like myself. Cheers, from Mike in Courtice, ON, Canada EH!!

[@julimov24]

Yes, please! Bring it on.

[@andrewfehrsen]

Race week series and of course the actual race was AMAZING! Well done Talbot and Lionel. You guys are making this sport great again!

[@davidporter2828]

Brilliant! I don't even race Triathlon, but have been 100% absolutely engaged in these endeavors. Maybe I'll rock up to a start line one day.

[@REN0XX]

Thanks guys for allowing us to follow your journey and congrats Lionel on such a great race.

[@sbeyoda4061]

Loved it! Lionel the machine! Talbot the architect!

[@Mike.A.]

Awesome performance Lionel! Congratulations on a well earned and hard fought victory! Was thoroughly enjoyable to watch and see the culmination of all of your hard work, dedication and passion come together in this amazingly exciting race. Huge props to Sam for the epic battle, which we know you both loved. Great to see the respect shown between the two of you at the end. True warriors. Now time for some quality rest and let your body absorb that superlative effort. Shout-out also to coach DTD who I assume is still quietly working behind the scenes to develop and monitor the training/racing plans, and to Erin and Mama Sanders who are the rocks, and rock stars behind it all.

[@markwilson4535]

Fantastic!!! You are taking this sport to the next level - so inspirational & just amazing to watch and participate!

[@johnbutterworth2635]

The race series has been brilliant again. You guys are truely promoting triathlon and inspiring us all. Fantastic work.