Nice will host the world elite of the Iroman (the longest format in triathlon) on September 10, which for the first time in its history will see its final held in Europe, far from its historic cradle Hawaii. Short explanations on this race which has become a sporting challenge that more and more athletes around the world are taking up.
It is from the Ponchettes beach in Nice that the participants will set off on September 10 for a 3.8 km swim. ©Pixabay
While in view of the Paris Olympics next year, the quality of the water in the Seine was (finally) validated during the Triathlon Test Event last weekend (but not swimming in open water), the capital of the Riviera is preparing to receive the VinFast Ironman World Championship Sunday, September 10. A great first. The start will be given from the Ponchettes beach and the finish will be on the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Less than 8 hours for the best male performance
Let us first recall that the Ironman format – created in Hawaii in 1978 – includes 3.8 km swim, 180.2 km bike and 42.195 km runthe equivalent of a marathon. Last year, 55,004 athletes took part in the famous event. Also in 2022, 28 countries hosted an Ironman. In terms of performance, the record is held for men by the Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt in 7h21’12” in Cozumel (Mexico) in 2021and, in women, by the German Laura Philipp in 8h18’20” in Hamburg in 2022.
A few principles, in cycling, it is forbidden to ride in a peloton, or to follow another competitor. During the running event, it is forbidden to have music in your ears. On the whole course, the runners cannot receive outside help, synonymous with disqualification. The time barrier to finish the three events is set at 4:00 p.m. of the race.
In France, the first Ironman took place in Gérardmer in the Vosges in 2002. No less than four races are now organized in France: two Ironmans (Nice and Vichy) et quatre Half Ironman (Nice, Vichy, Les Sables-d’Olonne and Aix-en-Provence). France is the fifth most represented country in the VinFast Ironman World Championship in 2022. Last year, Frenchman Sam Laidlow placed second in the competition. He notably holds the bicycle record in Hawaii. 11,500 French athletes are registered this year for Ironman or Half Ironman races around the world.
Amir, Belmondo, Jalabert or Castaignede
Among the French celebrities who have run an Ironman are swimmer Camille Lacourt (Nice in 2018), journalist and host Samuel Etienne (Nice in 2017), racing driver Paul Belmondo (Nice in 2015), ex-cyclist Laurent Jalabert (Ironman World Champion Hawaii 2019), ex-rugby player Thomas Castaignède (Nice in 2016), TV presenter and ex-champion of windsurfing, singer Amir (Aix-en-Provence in 2022).
During the triathlon events at the Olympic Games in Paris (July 30, 31 and August 5, 2024), perhaps it would have been wise for the competition to take place in Nice, which has a real passion for this sport, rather than in the Seine at Paris, still considered too polluted by the International Olympic Committee. After all, the sailing events are going well in Marseille and the surfing in Tahiti.
