After leading the race from start to finish, Sam Laidlow clinched victory in just over eight hours and became the world champion.
In a race that he led almost from start to finish, Sam Laidlow became the first French Ironman world champion in Nice. The tricolor had already caused a sensation last year by finishing second in Kona. In front of a crowd of people and with an electrifying atmosphere, the Frenchman was invigorated. The athletes set off early this morning for a 3.8 km swim. Upon exiting the water, Sam Laidlow was in the leading group with two other fellow countrymen. At the bike transition, he was still in the lead with Clément Mignon. However, after 100 kilometers, the Nice native couldn’t keep up with the blistering pace, leaving the leader on his own.
After 180 km of cycling, “Sam” arrived on the Promenade des Anglais to begin his marathon. He finished it in 2 hours 40 minutes and 46 seconds, his best marathon time in an IRONMAN. An incredible and unprecedented performance for a Frenchman. Behind him, Patrick Lange gave a commendable effort and finished shortly after. Despite stellar times, the German legend had to concede and acknowledge the superiority of the 24-year-old Frenchman.
A Successful First Edition in Nice
For the first time in forty years, the Ironman did not take place in Hawaii. A point of pride for the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who spoke to Chaîne l’Equipe: “It’s incredible for France and for Nice. For the first edition, Sam Laidlow wins, it’s truly remarkable. And there’s also satisfaction with Clément Mignon from Nice.”
This edition brought together many people who supported the athletes throughout the course. But it was the extraordinary welcome that fans gave the runners on the Promenade des Anglais that pushed them to their limits. Sam Laidlow himself praised the numerous spectators: “The crowd was really amazing, I felt like I ran 35 kilometers because there were so many people, it was just incredible.” And for a reason, there was so much noise that the broadcaster’s microphones were saturated.
Other French Competitors Well-Placed
Beyond the winner, his compatriots also ranked well. Indeed, Léon Chevallier finished fifth, Arthur Horseau came in sixth, and Clément Mignon from Nice placed tenth. Thus, this French edition saw four athletes from France finish in the top ten. And for the first time in 41 years, a Frenchman is the Ironman World Champion. A great achievement for the French team, who will be eager to perform next year at the Paris Olympics, particularly in the mixed relay category.
