This Friday, the Ironman organization held a press conference before Sunday’s race. An exchange with several athletes and a new partner for the competition.
It’s time for the final preparations before the race, this Sunday in Nice. This Friday morning, a press conference organized by the IRONMAN organization took place at the Anantara Plaza Hotel. Scott DeRue, CEO of the IRONMAN group, spoke for a few moments. He reiterated the pride of coming to compete in this competition in Nice. Martine Martinon, deputy delegate for sports in the city of Nice, also addressed the journalists. She provided some information about the future of the competition in Nice.
The World Championships in 2026, 2028, and 2030
Indeed, Martine Martinon revealed that the city of Nice will continue to host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships starting next year. It’s an event that represents 50% of the initial course. An edition that will be held every other year until 2030. It will take place over two days of competition, Saturday for women and Sunday for men.
Following these two speeches, eight athletes addressed the press. Among them, Gustav Iden, IRONMAN World Champion in 2022, as well as two Frenchmen, Léon Chevalier, current leader of the IRONMAN Pro Series, and Sam Laidlow, world champion in Nice in 2023.
Sam Laidlow: “it’s always very special to race in Nice”
The two French runners will compete at home this Sunday, with a crowd won over to their cause. “It’s always very special to race in Nice,” explains Léon Chevalier. This statement is confirmed by Sam Laidlow. A situation that has already worked in his favor in 2023. A “special memory” for the native of Oakley in Bedfordshire.
A result that turns into additional pressure for Sunday? “For me it’s more a relief! After winning the IRONMAN in Nice, the only one missing is Kailua-Kona (the IRONMAN in Hawaii, known to be the hardest in the world),” replies the triathlete.
Léon Chevalier, the second French athlete present in front of the media this Friday, is the current leader of the Pro Series standings. An element that has changed the course of his season. Finishing in the top eight represents a significant financial stake for these athletes.
The Parisian relies on this challenge to surpass himself despite a delicate race situation. “If the race for the top 5 or top 10 starts to slip away, I have to continue for this ranking (Pro Series). The final time will have a significant influence at the end of the season.“
“Experience Oman”, new partner of the Ironman
A few minutes before this exchange with the athletes, CEO Scott DeRue announced the presence of a new partner. It is “Experience Oman“, which becomes the first global partner of the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 series.
In 2029, Oman will host the world championships, a first in the Middle East.
