On September 12 and 13, 2026, Nice will host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship – and it will be the last time. After this edition, the world event will not return to the French Riviera in 2028 or 2030, as the city has decided not to organize this global format for budgetary reasons. The planet's best triathletes will therefore set off one last time between the Baie des Anges, the hills of the Alpes-Maritimes, and the Promenade des Anglais.
Whether you've qualified for the event, are a passionate spectator, or simply curious to understand this notoriously difficult course, here’s everything you need to know: dates, format, course profile, and the suitable equipment for each discipline.
Will you be in Nice for the event? All week from September 9 to 12, Triathlon Store Nice and the Triathlon Store Café will transform into the HQ for the triathlon community: Swim Sessions in the Baie des Anges, meetings with partner brands and their athletes, and many other surprises. Discover the program for the Triathlon Store World Championship Week →
When is the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Nice 2026?
The event takes place over two days, Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. As is customary for 70.3 world championships, categories are split by gender over two distinct days: women race on Saturday, men on Sunday. The official title sponsor of the event is Precision Fuel & Hydration, a specialist in sports nutrition.
Why this 2026 edition is a special moment
Nice initially had an agreement with IRONMAN to host this world championship in 2026 and 2028, with an option for 2030. A change in municipal administration and budgetary considerations led the city to not renew the hosting of this global event beyond 2026 — even though Nice will continue to host the "classic" IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events until at least 2029. In concrete terms: 2026 is the last opportunity to see the world's best triathletes compete on this course as part of a world championship.
The course: swimming, cycling, and running
Swim — 1.9 km in the Mediterranean Sea
The start is from Plage des Ponchettes, in the Baie des Anges. An open-water swim, with no strong current but a risk of swell depending on the September weather — an opportunity to check your wetsuit fit before the big day.
Bike — 90 km, the segment that defines the course's reputation
This is the most demanding part of the race. The profile climbs almost continuously from the sea to the foothills of the Alps, with approximately 1,190 m of cumulative positive elevation gain, almost entirely concentrated in the first half of the course:
- Col de Vence: the climb starts around km 26.6 and stretches for 9.7 km at an average gradient of 6.6%, with sections close to 10% and a peak over 12%.
- Once Coursegoules is passed (km 44), the terrain becomes almost flat: less than 90 m of elevation gain over the remaining 46 km.
- Then comes a technical 11 km descent that brings athletes back towards Nice from approximately km 64.
A course that rewards good climbers as much as confident descenders.
Run — 21.1 km, flat, on the Promenade des Anglais
Two loops on the Promenade des Anglais: a flat and fast course, but where Nice's September heat (often above 25°C) becomes the real adversary after the cycling effort.
What equipment to tackle this course?
Each section of the course has its own requirements. Here are the points of attention by discipline — and the categories from the triathlonstore.fr catalog that address them.
For open-water swimming:
A wetsuit suitable for seawater and still warm September weather — buoyancy and shoulder flexibility are key.
→ See triathlon wetsuits
For cycling — Col de Vence special:
On a course with significant elevation gain followed by a long technical descent, the choice of gearing and wheels matters as much as the bike's weight. Also consider safety equipment for the descent (braking, appropriate tires).
→ See bikes and cycling accessories
For running — managing the heat:
On a flat but hot course, a breathable and lightweight trisuit makes a real difference to comfort during the last two hours of the race.
→ See running trisuits
For nutrition — the event sponsor in your bag:
Precision Fuel & Hydration, the championship's title partner, is already listed in the nutrition catalog — a natural editorial argument for visitors looking to equip themselves like the pros.
→ See Precision Fuel & Hydration nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Nice return in 2028?
No. IRONMAN and the City of Nice have announced that it will not be possible to renew the hosting of the 70.3 world championship in Nice in 2028 or 2030. The 2026 edition is therefore the last.
What is the total distance of the event?
The 70.3 ("half") format combines a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21.1 km run, totaling 113 km.
Is the bike course difficult?
Yes, it is one of the hilliest courses on the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit, with the climb of Col de Vence (9.7 km at an average of 6.6%) concentrated in the first half of the course, followed by a long flat section and then a technical 11 km descent.
Do women and men race on the same day?
No, the events are split over two days: women on Saturday, September 12, and men on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Are there traffic disruptions in Nice during the event?
Yes. Several roads around Nice are temporarily closed or modified on race day (notably some A8 motorway exits and access to certain neighborhoods), with diversion routes put in place. Spectators are advised to consult real-time traffic information (Waze) and the local access map published by the organization before traveling.
In summary
2026 marks Nice's final participation in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship calendar. A course between sea and mountains, demanding on the bike, hot on the run — and a unique opportunity to equip yourself like the world's best athletes before following (or competing in) this historic edition.
