On the eve of the Ironman 70.3 World Championships bringing together more than 7,000 athletes, Yves Cordier, the director of Ironman France, takes stock of a mythical event. Between sporting demands and a strategic shift in the partnership with the city of Nice, the Riviera capital confirms its status as the world temple of the triple effort.
Nice and triathlon have a love story that has lasted for over four decades. As the Bay of Angels is about to host this Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 a new world summit of the discipline, the enthusiasm remains intact for athletes and spectators. However, the year 2026 has been marked by a stroke of climatic misfortune. Last June, the prefecture had to make the decision to cancel the classic edition of the Ironman in Nice less than 48 hours before the start due to an episode of extreme heat. It is therefore with enthusiasm that athletes and the organization approach this event. For Yves Cordier, a historic figure in French triathlon, this edition promises a high-level sporting spectacle, built around a course that has become legendary.
The reason is the formidable climb of the Vence pass, a true judge of the cycling portion. « What athletes especially like about the 70.3 distance is having a terrain where they can express themselves », explains Yves Cordier. According to the director of Ironman France, Nice simply offers « the most wonderful playground in the world to swim in a magnificent Bay of Angels and then climb the Vence pass to go from 0 to 1,000 meters altitude, with winding descents and wonderful landscapes. » The return to the coast also promises an electrifying atmosphere, « then to have a stadium on the Promenade des Anglais for the half-marathon, yes, I think that will be conducive to many wonderful things, for those who come to win as well as for those who come to participate. »
A page that is turning
Popular enthusiasm is not waning, more than 7,000 competitors made the trip to the Côte d’Azur for this exceptional weekend. A massive success that can be explained by the deep history that links the Riviera city to the discipline. « Triathlon came to Nice in 1982, next year it will be 45 years, recalls the former French triathlete. It is the mark of confidence that athletes and authorities give us to be able to organize races at this level. »
However, this edition is taking place in a particular context. The Nice municipality having chosen to end subsidies for the Ironman World Championships, an important chapter is closing. At the time of taking stock, Yves Cordier holds back, « I will let the elected officials speak, they have already spoken many times » and prefers to highlight the sustainability of the overall partnership. « It is not a closure, » he insists, referring to the three-year extension confirmed last June for the annual classic event. « Today, it is not about stopping everything, it is about stopping a certain frequency. It is a bit like the Tour de France and Alpe d’Huez, it is not every year either. You never know what happens next… »
The director above all wants to acknowledge the critical logistical support from the city. « I thank the city of Nice which allows us to organize this event. It is not just about money, their contribution is enormous in meeting all the needs we have. Their investment is also financially committed to facilities and many other things. We are in perfect agreement. »
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