The IRONMAN World Championship returns to the French Riviera in 2025, with Nice once again stepping onto the global stage as host city. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the world’s top professional triathletes and thousands of qualified age-group athletes will take on one of the sport’s toughest and most spectacular courses, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Alpes-Maritimes.
Why Nice?
Long recognized as a hub for endurance sport, Nice has cemented its place in the IRONMAN calendar. The city has previously hosted both full-distance and 70.3 IRONMAN World Championship events, and its partnership with IRONMAN has been extended through 2028. For athletes and fans alike, Nice offers a unique blend: warm Mediterranean waters, a cosmopolitan seafront promenade, and a demanding bike course that climbs into the mountains before returning to the coast.
The Course
Competitors face the classic full-distance challenge: a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km marathon.
Swim: Starting in the Baie des Anges, athletes will dive into the turquoise Mediterranean just off the Promenade des Anglais.
Bike: The 180 km bike leg showcases the region’s dramatic terrain, with steep climbs, technical descents, and sweeping views of mountain villages and coastal valleys. It’s considered one of the most beautiful yet demanding bike courses on the world circuit.
Run: The marathon brings the action back to the Promenade des Anglais. With multiple loops along the seafront, the run is flat but exposed to sun and heat, making crowd support and mental strength key factors.
Athletes to Watch
The men’s professional race promises fireworks. Defending champion Patrick Lange will return to defend his crown, while French favorite Sam Laidlow aims for glory on home soil. Norwegian stars Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden—both former world champions—will be major contenders, alongside powerhouses like Magnus Ditlev, Rudy Von Berg, and Léon Chevalier. With a $375,000 prize purse and 6,000 IRONMAN Pro Series points on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
What Makes This Edition Special
What sets Nice apart is the balance of beauty and brutality. The Mediterranean swim is inviting, but the mountain bike course can shatter even the best-prepared athletes. The marathon, lined with cheering spectators, provides both spectacle and suffering. For French triathlon fans, the chance to see their champions race a World Championship on home ground adds extra excitement.
For Spectators
Nice is tailor-made for spectators. The swim start along the Promenade offers incredible views, while the run course keeps the drama close to the city center. Those willing to venture into the hills can catch glimpses of the athletes tackling the toughest climbs. Visitors are advised to plan ahead: traffic will be restricted, accommodations fill quickly, and the best viewing spots are claimed early.
Beyond the Race
For Nice and the wider Côte d’Azur, the IRONMAN World Championship brings not only prestige but also significant economic impact. The event reinforces the region’s reputation as a premier global sports destination, combining elite athletic competition with world-class hospitality and breathtaking scenery.
As athletes dive into the Baie des Anges on September 14, 2025, they’ll be racing not only for world titles but also into history—on a course that embodies the spirit of IRONMAN: endurance, determination, and a setting like no other.
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