Lionel Sanders to compete in CVR World Cup a dedicated virtual cycling event
Second at Ironman Kona, Sanders frequently sets top bike times in triathlons
The runner-up at Ironman Kona, Canadian Lionel Sanders of Windsor, Ont. has announced he’ll do something for the first time in his illustrious career — race dedicated cyclists in a pure cycling event at the CVR World Cup in Los Angeles on March 24th and 25th.
“In order to continue to improve you have to get our of your comfort zone,” he said in a social media post on Monday. “So, I’m excited to announce that I will be duking it out with some great pure cyclists.”
The race is performed in the virtual world, as cyclists race on smart trainers and on a virtual platform much like Zwift, which Sanders uses for the majority of his bike training.
According to their website, “Cycligent CVR World Cup is one among emerging sporting events trying to marry the popularity of esports with the grit and determination of actual athletes to offer digital sporting fans something they’ve never had before.”
Sanders was selected as an invitee for the race.
He will take on 11 other men, all ranked high globally on the platform.
Known for his prowess on the bike, Sanders regularly clocks top bike splits at his Ironman and 70.3 races and narrowly missed the bike course record in Kona last year, where he placed second overall.
This story originally appeared on Triathlon Magazine Canada.
