How India Lee Raced Back to the T100 Podium

India Lee racing at T100 London 2025. Photo: Kevin Mackinnon

India Lee executed a fantastic performance at the T100 French Riviera last weekend, finishing third behind Ashleigh Gentle and Paula Findlay. After a DNF in Singapore at the start of the season and then missing out on Vancouver because of a cold, the 37-year-old Brit turned around to win IRONMAN Les Sables and Ironman 70.3 Loire Valley. Back on the T100 circuit for London, Lee finished 10th and, even though she is focused on preparing for Kona, she proved last weekend she is in top shape and a true T100 contender. 

You had a rough start to the T100 series with illness. How does it feel to be back on the podium?

It feels great to be back on a T100 podium. My start to the year wasn’t the best in Singapore, then I was focusing on an IRONMAN and recovering from that. The plan for the year has always been to be at my best for this part of the season, so I’m pleased to feel like that’s working out (so far).

Can you take us through the race?

I felt great all day. I got a good start in the swim and was cruising around in the pack. 

Then on the bike I started strong so I could follow Lucy Byram as I knew she’d be really good on this course as she’s brilliant technically. I rode well up the climb and stuck with them on the descent (I’m a cautious descender so it was a conscious effort to try and get a gap before going down hill). On the last 10 km flat section I just hung off the back of the group trying to ride an even effort and avoid spikes in power before running. 

On the run, I just settled into my pace (power) and plugged away at it. I started catching people, which gave me a huge boost and felt better and better as we went through.

Lee wins the 2024 T100 Miami race. Photo: PTO/ James Mitchell

Considering how different the bike course was compared to other T100 races, did you do anything specific for Frejus? 

I didn’t do anything specific in the build up, but I was conscious during the race to try and avoid spiking power out of the twist and turns. Especially along the corniche during the first hour, I went to the back of the group so I could ride it a little smoother and not worry about drifting into draft zones and then having to commit to an overtake and big effort.

Can you share your nutrition strategy? 

Nutrition wise I had a gel (40 g) 10 minutes before the start, 100 g/hour on the bike + 150 mg caffeine. 1500 ml total liquid (a little low). On the run I had 100g + 100mg caffeine + water at most aid stations. 

How did this race fit into your prep for Kona, and what’s next for you?

This race was part of my overall Kona prep. I’d been in Lanzarote for the two and a half weeks prior where the focus was training in the heat and wind for Kona. I went into the race knowing I’m really fit, but also had a big block of training in the legs, so it could have gone very differently. 

Now I’m back at home for a couple of weeks before Valencia T100 and then we’re heading out to Kona.

Tags: