For the seventh consecutive year, the Ironman arrives in Nice on June 26, 2011. With 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and 42.195 km of running, it is the world’s largest triathlon event. The 2,632 participants from around the globe share a common hope: to secure their place for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.
At 6:30 AM on the centennial beach, 2,632 participants – men and women alike – mostly amateur, will dive into the water. They face 3.8 km of swimming. This will be followed by 182 km of cycling and 42.195 km of running. A grueling triathlon that must be completed in less than 16 hours to be validated. The record is set at 08:25 and 28 seconds by Catalan Marcel Zamora, winner of the last five editions. Since 2006, he has continuously improved his own record. As he arrives in Nice, he keeps an eye on the temperature. Heat records on race day? That would suit him! He admits: “the more the sun shines, the better I run!” In Nice, he is unlikely to be disappointed. This year, he’ll be a force to reckon with again! But the contenders for the title are increasing year by year.
The most dangerous contender is undoubtedly Frederik Van Lierde, second in the event in 2010. He won Abu Dhabi and the East London 70.3 earlier this year. The Belgian Frederik Van Lierde is in great shape, no doubt about it. He returned to Nice last month. The goal? To familiarize himself as much as possible with the race course.
He is now being trained by champion Luc Van Lierde. World-renowned for his record over the distance at 7h50, he has won Nice twice. A strategy to defeat Marcel? “I don’t look at the other competitors; I focus on my strategy and my race plan, and we’ll see.” Judging by his 2010 performance, he has every reason to feel confident.
Other serious challengers include Nicolas Abassit from ONN (Olympic Nice Natation) and Stรฉphane Ravรฉra from Beaulieu.
A fierce battle that will be widely observed. The Nice Ironman, being the only one in France, is highly coveted worldwide. The organization expects some 80,000 spectators from all over France and the world. The athletes are just waiting for you!
