Old champions, new champions

Ironman France is a distinctly European race. The fact that the event takes place in a town steeped in both cultural and triathlon traditions, has a bike course that is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the world and a run that travels the length of the Promenade des Anglais makes it a magnet for European pros and age groupers alike.

Athletes who do well here tend to return, and this year was no exception with the defending champs, Marcel Zamora Perez and Alexandra Louison lined up alongside the cool, blue Mediterranean Sea this morning. As events unfolded through the day, one would be successful and the other not. An old champion would be re-crowned and a new one unveiled - both, in keeping with the spirit of the event, European. Read the story »

Older Stories

Nice Preview

There was a time when 'Nice' meant but one thing: a long- course race that was regarded as the jewel in the crown of French triathlon. A race so special that legions of athletes descended on the town every year to take part or to watch Mark Allen add yet another victory to his palmar�s. Read the story »

Ironman: A Hero In The Movies Or In Triathlon?

Ironman, the movie, will open tomorrow in France. If you would like to discover heroes that do not come from a comic book but who have a real life, come see them on June 22 in Nice, on the Promenade des Anglais. Every registered athlete for Ironman France is a hero. Every day he has to make choices and balance his life: organize training, job and family life, balance nutrition and a rigorous diet in order to always be up for a challenge. Read the story »

Ironman contestants from the Cote d'Azur

"For those preparing for Nice and who do not live in the region and are not able to train on the original race course, I would recommend concentrating on the bike training," says Val�rie Sinko. He's one of the 138 athletes from the C�te d'Azur who signed up for the fourth edition of Ironman France and will take up the challenge of a 3.8km swim, followed by 180km cycle and a marathon on the Promenade des Anglais. Read the story »

Laurent Jalabert to race at Ironman France

Ironman France will take place on 22 June 2008 and could be one of the largest Ironman events in history with 2,700 registered athletes. Former cycling star Laurent Jalabert is included in the field, competing in his third Ironman. Read the story »

Ironman France Filling Fast

Ironman France, which takes place on June 22, will soon be sold out. More than 1,200 athletes have already signed up, leaving only 600 more spaces. The popular long distance triathlon on the C�te d'Azur attracts athletes from 50 countries each year and offers 50 slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Read the story »

Louison and Zamora Perez win in Nice

While both of today's champions proved that they are outstanding climbers on the bike, Alexandra Louison and Marcel Zamora Perez each claimed the Ironman France-Nice title thanks to an outstanding run leg. Read the story »

Five days of show and sport on the Cote d'Azur

Read the story »

Preparing for Ironman France

Racing an Ironman is a life changing experience for many athletes. However, a safe and fun day is the result of many months planning and training. LifeSport Coaching offers advice and tips for anyone racing in Nice. Read the story »

About the Race

Qualifier for Ford Ironman World Championship Nice, France. Think Cote d'Azur, the French Riviera. Twenty kilometers to one side is Monaco; just a little further going the other way to the Film Festival in Cannes.

The Cote D'Azur (the French Riviera) is renowned for its beaches or more likely for the scantily clad beach goers. The swim follows the rich tradition long distance racing here in Nice.

The bike course for the Ironman France is, simply put, like no other. It's unforgettable, sensational, scenic, hilly and arguably one of the greatest Ironman challenges.

The four laps of the marathon will most likely quickly drown out the pain of the bike leg, the scenery beach side casting a spell on many competitors. Then there are the sights, sounds and tourism of the famed seafront.

The finish, with its pageantry, fireworks and expected huge crowds will be located at the Promenade des Anglais (avenue de Verdun) opposite the Hotel Meridien.

Available Now from IronmanDVD

2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 DVD
Relive the November 10, 2007 race with this DVD. Watch as Andy Potts, a highly decorated athlete with short-course success, sprinted to a first place 3:42:33 finish, while Australia�s Mirinda Carfrae broke the course record and claimed victory finishing at 4:07:25. In addition to the competitive professional field, more than 1,400 other triathletes ranging from 19 to 82 years old crossed the finish line, including Mark Rothbaum, manager of country music legend Willie Nelson, and Stacey Junio, who celebrated her recent weight loss in preparation for the event. $34.95 Available now.