I would bet the most interesting battle for 2025 would be Lionel vs Sam. If they make it all 100% performance they won’t get these scenarios. IMHO
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Sam should be BEGGING Lionel to do T100 - just swim together and bike like mother truckers. Not only is Sam’s swim slower - but he’s doing ALL the work. Plus…THAT would be good TV.
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Oofff that would be amazing!
Based on Lionel’s video I suspect it isn’t where his mind is, but I would love it.
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Totally. And I get why - but seriously I wish there was another athlete at least that Sam could just link up with to make the races interesting. Lionel is just the best option. It’s a nice thought at least!
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Very true. And the coincidence that they now live within miles of each other, have babies approx the same age and their wives have become friends
Besides the fact that they are my two favorite pros to follow
Well Paula Findlay may have just broken into the top two with her latest video 
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Sanders will be offered an (11-16) T100 contract but you don’t get the idea he’ll sign.
He would get more with a T100 contract than he will racing some random IM races, unless he wins Nice. And enjoy some competitive races against the best.
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Seriously doubt it, but if I was him I’d throw out a crazy guaranteed amount and see if they bite.
Jesus guys, give it a rest, Lionel, Sam, Sam , Lionel. There are other athletes out there deserving of your fandom. I don’t understand why your whole triathlon world revolves around them, more rounded athletes without weaknesses are out there snd if rumour is correct will be coming to t100. If Vince and Leo and ANY other X wtcs athletes sign that swim will be even faster, they are not slouches on the bike and run fast as well.
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You do understand this thread is about Sam Long, and whether to pick T100 or IM, right? Don’t be an asshole and post without thinking about where or what you are posting about.
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Yes, i am aware, but it has once again turned into a Lionel thread with ppl stating he should be given special treatment by T100.
Everyone in T100 has people to race with except Sam. Having Lionel in the race and working together in the swim could help Sam be closer to the front of the race. And more of a factor. And more fun throughout the race.
Ajax has never struck me as pro Lionel but most of what he says tends to happen. And with Lionel’s following and story - and still high ranking - it would make sense for T100 to at least offer him a contract. He’s not saying special treatment at all.
If this was the T100 thread or another thread - maybe your comment makes sense. But seriously - don’t be an idiot commenting in a Sam Long thread that people need to not make comments about Sam Long lol. We get it with you too.
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When you go to a Willie Nelson concert and complain because every song is by Willie Nelson
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HAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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‘Throw out a crazy guaranteed amount and see if they bite’ my interpretarion of that is ask for more money than the others his ranking. Is that not askung for special treatment?
Stop. You are changing your story from your first comment to justify commenting in the wrong thread. Just say sorry I was wrong 
If a company/race series/whatever wants an athlete bad enough - they will potentially offer more money than market value. You hate Sam and Lionel, fine, but there’s value to LS being at races and the Sam and Lionel v the world narrative would be very provocative and powerful for the T100 to use. If the race is only at the front - it’s not very interesting. Having 2-3 people who don’t swim that well but can bike and run at a very high level makes the racing more interesting - and honestly - besides Sam and Lionel, there’s not many others who could even come close to competing in the series. LS might get smoked for sure - but it’s probably the only guy on the planet besides Sam Long who would even have a chance to do it.
I have offered @chrisb12 my rationale for suggesting Sanders will be offered a contract in the T100 2025 thread, to avoid any ‘spillover opprobrium’ from you or other. 
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All good!
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Huh?
Which 2nd place deserves more money for the performance they delivered to the audience in SF? Kyle Smith or Kat Matthews?
What would PTO prefer to pay for? More Kat Matthews deficits or Kyle Smith ones.
My proposition would pay Kyle Smith nearly as much as first place. And you think that discourages going for it?
Maybe worst case it encourages cooperation competition where the athletes both run and bike side by side and leave it to a 1k foot race at the end knowing they’ll both win nearly the same amount … and you think that’s bad for viewers to have more sprint finishes?