2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championships to be held in Nice

Ironman has just announced a new venue for the 70.3 World Championships in 2019: Nice, France. This is the very first time Ironman has held an Ironman world championship event in France.

Not only will Nice be hosting the prestigious even in 2019, Ironman will also be running a brand new 70.3 event on September 16th in 2018; allowing the venue to be well versed at hosting for the main event in 2019. This new 70.3 event will become an integral part of the Ironman 70.3 European Tour.

The course in Nice

The event will combine a swim in the world-famous Mediterranean Sea, a bike course that passes through breathtaking mountains and quaint villages, and a run along Nice’s historic Promenade des Anglais waterfront.

Why was Nice chosen as the host city?

Nestled on the French Riviera in the southeast coast of France, Ironman events in Nice have alway been among the most popular in the circuit. As the world championships is the most prestigious event on the 70.3 circuit, attracting over 5000 athletes from around the world, it’s important Ironman chooses only the most picturesque and popular settings for these events.

“With the origins of the popular Nice triathlon which set the stage in the region, this is the next evolution of this extraordinary event and brings Europe back to the forefront, with a history of culture, sport and scenery that is the perfect mix for IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship athletes,” said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for IRONMAN.

Beyond triathlon in Nice

Nice has long been known as one of the world’s favourite beachside destinations, and has a large international airport just minutes from the city. Blending rich culture with world-famous food and a luxury Riviera vibe, Nice offers a special old-world blend of modern chic and European culture.

“It is with great pride that our city will host this international competition for the first time in France, with a sport that is particularly well established in Nice. Since 1982, our city has organised world-renowned triathlon events, held in an exceptional setting with a truly unique course,” said Christian Estrosi, President Region Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur.

“This will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for all triathlon enthusiasts and I welcome everyone to enjoy the beauty of our city…Each year, IRONMAN brings € 4 million in economic revenue, and I am convinced that this new event will once again strengthen our attractiveness as a host city and boost our local economy.”

Past athletes are also thrilled with the announcement that Nice will host the 70.3 world championships.

“Ever since competing as a professional athlete in the 1989 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, it has been my dream to bring a world championship event to the city and region I call home; that dream is now becoming a reality,” said Yves Cordier, Managing Director, IRONMAN France. “I would like to extend my gratitude to the City of Nice and the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur for their loyalty and trust in our team. We are ready to welcome the world to Nice!”