Nice hosts the final of the Ironman World Championships for the first time. The international competition takes place this Sunday, September 10, but traffic is disrupted starting today.
Traditionally held only in Hawaii, the Ironman World Championships are arriving in the capital of the French Riviera. The menโs Ironman World Championship final will take over the Nice area and its terrain on September 10. The women’s event remains on the Pacific island and will take place in Nice in 2024. The two cities will alternate hosting the men’s and women’s events over the next four years, as announced by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, in January.
The extreme triathlon begins with 3.8 kilometers of swimming in two loops in the Mediterranean. Competitors will start from the Plage des Ponchettes. Then, onto cycling, top-level athletes will set off on a 180-kilometer bike ride, equivalent to a stage of the Tour de France. They will cycle through the backcountry, crossing 19 municipalities including Carros, Grรฉoliรจres, Gourdon, and Vence.
The final part consists of running the distance of a marathon along the legendary Promenade des Anglais. Competitors will complete four loops starting from the Quai des รtats-Unis, making a U-turn at the Nice airport. โItโs one of the most challenging endurance events in the world,โ explained Victor Alvarez, the competition’s Marketing Manager for France, last May.
20,000 visitors are expected, including 2,200 athletes from around the world, which corresponds to 140,000 overnight stays. On average, according to figures provided by the organizer, athletes stay on-site for fourteen days and spend an average of 200 euros per day per person. The metropolitan tourist office expects over 22 million euros in economic benefits for the region.
How to travel and park efficiently
An event of this scale requires significant traffic management measures. Therefore, traffic and parking are disrupted from Thursday, September 7, until Monday, September 11.
The municipality encourages everyone to use public transportation and avoid driving in the Promenade des Anglais and Old Nice areas.
It is also recommended to prefer parking in the various Parcazur park-and-ride facilities, strategically located at the outskirts of the area. โGiven the importance of this event, it is advisable to follow the signage and information systems established for this date,โ the city of Nice said in a statement.
