Nice hosts IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is taking place in Nice, France, featuring over 6,500 athletes from approximately 130 countries. The event includes a challenging course consisting of a 1.9 km swim in the Baie des Anges, a technical cycling segment featuring the ascent of Col de Vence, and a half-marathon along the Promenade des Anglais.

Professional athletes have shared insights ahead of the competition. Swiss athlete Julie Derron expressed confidence in her form despite previous nutritional challenges, while Norway’s Solveig Løvseth, the 2025 champion, maintained a humble outlook regarding her chances to win. The event follows a period of climate-related challenges for the region, including the cancellation of a previous Ironman Nice due to extreme heat.

In preparation for the championship, the Swim de la Baie des Anges served as a reconnaissance event. German swimmer Lasse Nygaard won the men’s segment, while British athlete Sophie Evans took the women’s title. The championship weekend is part of a massive global triathlon period, with over 20,000 athletes competing across various major international events this weekend.