The Ironman France, which takes place every year in June in Nice, is an international long-distance triathlon competition. This year’s 12th edition will be held this Sunday, June 5th.
The Ironman is a somewhat crazy competition according to some. 3.8 km of swimming, 42 km of running, and 180 km of cycling… That’s what some triathletes, who enjoy long distances, are capable of achieving. They are not called “Ironmen,” the men of iron, for nothing. Indeed, swimming, cycling, and then running, all in just over 8 hours, is not something everyone can do.
Thus, the term Ironman refers to the profile of the competition (3.8 km of swimming, 42 km of running, 180 km of cycling), the name of the races (Ironman France, Ironman Canada…), and the triathlete who takes on this incredible challenge.
On Sunday, the first start will be at 6:25 AM from the Promenade des Anglais. After 3.8 km of swimming in a loop, the triathletes will continue with 180 kilometers of cycling between the sea and the medium mountains. The course has everything to appeal to athletes, with a challenge of 1900 meters of positive elevation gain.
Finally, the Promenade des Anglais will deliver its final verdict. Participants will finish with 42.195 km of running, to be covered in 4 loops of 10 km, between the Plage du Centenaire and Nice Airport.
For the 12th edition of the Ironman France Nice, there will be 2896 participants at the start, including 50 male professionals and 19 female professionals. This edition boasts an exceptional lineup, rarely seen before on the French Riviera.
The public will have the opportunity to see Ironman world champions with the presence of Frederik Van Lierde, Leanda Cave, and Natascha Badmann. Experienced athletes on the circuit will also be at the start, such as Timo Bratch, Victor Del Corral, Michael Raelart, and Matthias Hecht. Also present will be former Olympic athlete Olivier Marceau and the four-time champion here in Nice, Tine Deckers.
