If I was Lionel, I would consider knocking out some of the European full distance races, before going all in on Kona prep. He doesn't need to win every race or risk blowing up. He needs to string together some full distance races that look like his Ironman Copenhagen result from 2021. He can podium even if he holds back 1 or 2%. It's not worth it to blow up in this series. Save the true red lining for 70.3s & for Kona & stack some solid race results. He has struggled in the heat but he has also been 2nd in Kona/St. George.

Unrelated -- I do think the points will need to be looked at. Pallant-Browne and Findlay are good athletes who could win a Pro Series 70.3 with similar effort. The Series doesn't reward you for racing strong competition. It doesn't separate out how good a 2nd place finish is at individual races. It's kind of a wasted opportunity for athletes like Thek/Lewis. Those performances will get them better points at any race Knibb isn't at. If I was one of those athletes I would avoid Knibb races & that shouldn't have to be the strategy to do well in a season long series.