Ironman France



Location
Nice, France
Race website
Website link
Time of year held
June
Approx Athlete Numbers
2250
Does it typically sell out?
Yes
One word description for the event
Amazing; awesome
Good for first iron distance race?
Yes; only if up for a challenge.

Tips for overseas athletes getting to the venue:

  • Book hotel accommodation early, Nice is expensive. 
  • If there is a few of you an apartment is a good option.
  • Flight is the most convenient. Airport is extremely close from the centre.
 

SWIM

 

One word description for the swim
DeepBlueSea; brutal
Single or multi-lap course?
2 laps, beach run between each lap
Typically wetsuit-legal?
Yes
Swim course description
Ocean, mass start

Swim tips
  • It gets quite busy in the morning of the race and there is only one path to exit and access the swim area which means that if you are not out of transition quickly, you’ll get stuck in the transition area/path toward swim without being able to warmup for the swim.
  • Watch your toes on the pebbles.
  • The swim course was setup only on race morning.
  • Second lap of the course in the brochure is marked with orange buoys but in fact there are none on the course. All of them are yellow and the first three “orange buoys” from the brochure are actually the same first three of the first lap.
  • Sighting is slightly difficult as it is a wide start.
  • If you're a strong swimmer go off hard to get out of the washing machine. If you're a weak swimmer wait on the beach. It's not for the faint hearted!!

 

BIKE

 

One word description for the bike
Scenic; incredible
GPS map link for the bike course
Ride with GPS 
Video link for the bike course
Video link
Single or multi-lap course?
Single lap

Bike Course description
  • A scenic hilly bike course.
  • A fantastic climb from the Mediterranean up into the Alps and back.
Bike Course tips
  • There are no mechanics on the course.
  • I would consider using a road bike instead of a TT bike. 
  • Enjoy the tour de france-like experience on the first sharp climb (Condamine) and the U-turn on the route des Termes.

RUN

 

One word description for the run
Hot
GPS map link for the run course
Strava
Video link for the run course
Single or multi-lap course?
4 laps

Run course description 
  • Flat on the promenade des anglais.
  • Great supporters
  • A run along the promenade des anglais to the airport and back. Amazing support along the course.

Run course tips
  • It’s hot….really hot. There were a lot of people passing out on the promenade.
  • There are showers before and after some of the aid stations. Use them…
  •  The biggest challenge is the heat, there is no shade at all, so get used to running in the heat and taking on plenty of fluids. 

SUPPORTERS

 

Tips for supporters get the most out of watching the event?
  • You cannot access the beach for the start and have to stay on the promenade.
  • Supporting athletes on the run course is easy enough as it is a straight line...
  • On the finish line, go on the left side so you can welcome your athlete when they will exit the finishing line area to go have food/massage/medal.... as crossing from one side to the other takes ages!
  • Watch the swim start go off, worth the early start! Head off to the old town for lunch before heading back to the promenade for the cyclists coming back and the run. Hit the grandstand as the person you are watching hits their last lap. Great fireworks at the end of Heros' hour!

Great places to eat:
  • There are a lot of good restaurants in the centre of Nice and in the old town. Too many to list!

Best bike or tri shop in town:


Best pick for accommodation:
  • Race is happening just before the high season in France (rental car, accommodation and so on will be not as expensive as the week after…).
  • You have several choices. Students are now in holidays so you can rent a student studio if you are on a budget.
  • There are many hotels on the promenade - some of them are quite expensive and some less.
  • You can rent a room at the Mercure Hotel facing the swim start and the finish line.
  • Also you can rent a slightly less expensive/less crowded flat or villa inland but need a car.

Best things for the kids to do:
  • Sea, beach
  • Water Park
  • Water activities
  • Play in the fountains in the Place Massena and the large park. The ice cream is also brilliant!! 

Cool things to do after the race:
  • Having a beer on a terrasse and try as many restaurants as you can!
  • There are many activities to do in Nice and around Nice.
  • If you have a car there are many, many villages and cities to visit around. Monaco, Menton, Cannes…. are not far away.
  • A trip to Monaco or to Antibes!

Any warnings that people should know about before entering:
  • Tough swim and bike course.
  • Be prepared to run in the heat.

OVERALL

 

General tips:
  • You cannot access your bags in the morning of the race, Bike is OK to access though.
  • Great drone footage of the swim start from various years on-line. A real spectacle.
  • The first short climb called the wall is worth checking out to ensure your gearing is set up ok. 
  • Also worth checking out the big climb up the col de l'ecre - it can be fairly unforgiving.
Best thing about this race:
  • Good combo - race + family holidays to visit the south of France.
  • It's beautiful, the European Kona! Swim in the Med, cycle in the Alps!

Anything negative about this race:


RACE REPORTS AND OTHER VIDEO LINKS SUPPLIED





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Thank you to the following people who have contributed content to this page: Jonathon Naim; Andy Wales

 
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