• Leon kicked off his 2023 campaign with a stunning victory at IRONMAN South Africa, clocking the second fastest bike and run splits on the day
• The win ensured he qualified for the 2023 IRONMAN World Championships later this year and he should be full of confidence for that race in his home country of France after he executed his fuel and hydration plan perfectly in South Africa

Hydration

• Leon refined his pre-race hydration strategy during his races in 2022 and he used the same strategy for his first race of 2023 as he preloaded his sodium levels with ~300ml (12oz) of PH 1500 with his breakfast. He also had ~300ml (12oz) of black tea as he usually does, which helps to start increasing his caffeine levels
• Then during the race it was business as usual for Leon from a hydration standpoint, as he carried all of his electrolytes in his pre-mixed bottles, and diluted the concentration with ~800ml (29oz) of plain water from the on-course aid stations
• His bottles were all highly concentrated, with his two PF&H Litre Bottles on the bike containing two and three PH 1500 (Drink Mix) packets respectively, and a PF 90 Gel in each. He also carried a 500ml (16oz) bottle which had a further two PH 1500 Sachets and another PF 90
• This is something Leon’s practised a LOT, meaning his stomach is comfortable tolerating this rich beverage, and he waters down the concentration throughout the bike with the plain water from aid stations
• Onto the run, and as the stormy weather cleared, it left a very humid climate (~75%), which meant Leon started to feel the heat as his sweat wasn’t evaporating like it normally would
• Thankfully, Leon remained composed and began pouring large amounts of water over his head in an attempt to keep himself cool by reducing his perception of the heat
• He also managed to drink a little over 1,100ml (38oz) per hour via the on-course ‘water pouches’ on offer at aid stations, which he said “made it much easier to drink larger amounts than the usual cups of water”
• Leon’s sodium intake fell significantly on the run compared to the bike, as he only took one Electrolyte Capsule on his way to the 2:47 marathon split. Overall though, as his intake was so high on the bike, he still averaged ~917mg of sodium per litre of fluid for the entire race, which is only slightly below his sweat sodium concentration (measured by our Sweat Test) of 1,392mg/L (mg/32oz)

Fueling

Conclusions

• This was another display of a well thought-out nutrition strategy being executed brilliantly from Leon. He should take a great deal of confidence from this first race of the season as be builds towards the IRONMAN Worlds later in the year
• In all, Leon was very pleased with his performance, and rated his satisfaction with the result as an 8 (out of 10). He also feels there are a few small things to improve upon like his swim and getting his marathon time into the low 2:40s, and we have high hopes for the rest of the 2023 season!