Taking the plunge for more than 10 hours of effort! The only Ironman challenge in France offers not only a challenge in terms of the course but also in terms of the events. Moreover, this long-distance triathlon is located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet: the French Riviera with its turquoise waters, the picturesque villages of the Nice hinterland, and the famous Promenade des Anglais.
98% of the athletes are age-group athletes – amateurs who manage the perfect balance between work, family, and training every day. 35 athletes are professional athletes.
Among the women, the most recent entry comes from Frenchwoman Alexandra Louison, winner of the Ironman Monaco in 2005. Last year, Louison finished Ironman France in 5th place and returns this year aiming for a spot on the podium. She will face Spanish athlete Virginia Berasategui who has declared her intention to win in Nice.
On the men’s side, the competition between Spain and France will also take place. The winner of Ironman France in 2006, Marcel Zamora (ESP), will return to the Prom to defend his champion title, and perhaps improve his personal best time? Once again, the race will be hot on the Promenade des Anglais, with French athletes Christophe Bastie, René Rovera, and Patrick Bringer wanting to make Zamora’s victory more difficult.
The only Ironman on French territory is set up with the support of 1200 volunteers from the region, securing the race through 60 teams. More than 5000 people will travel to Nice (athletes and accompanying persons, media representatives, etc.) for the Ironman. Over 50,000 local spectators will come to partake in this great sporting festival in Nice.
Live coverage will be available online at Ironman.com with photos, articles, and live video streaming. The Ironman France will be broadcast on television screens in over 40 million households around the globe.
