You may have heard of an IRONMAN triathlon, but what exactly is it? An IRONMAN triathlon encompasses a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km marathon run consecutively in that order. Typically, the cut off for the swim is 2 hours 20 minutes, for the bike it’s 8 hours 10 minutes, and for the run it’s 6 hours 15 minutes. This gives you a total of 16 hours 45 minutes to complete the swim, bike and run legs.
An IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon is half that distance. It encompasses a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run. Typically, the cut off for the swim is 1 hour 10 minutes, for the bike it’s 4 hours 5 minutes and for the run it’s 3 hours 15 minutes. This gives you a total of 8 hours and 30 minutes in which you would have to complete the event.
Globally, there are over 200 IRONMAN triathlons and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons which see athletes racing in various destinations across Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This global phenomenon has attracted a bevy of celebrities such as celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, British racing driver Jenson Button, Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin, to name but a few. With the likes of former British professional footballer Frank Lampard, and Formula One driver Sebastien Vettel having publicly expressed their desire to complete one and ticking it off their bucket list.
IRONMAN events may be among the toughest triathlon events in sport but sees thousands of ordinary people achieve extraordinary things. Some of the remarkable stories to come out of these events include Sam Holness, known as ‘Super Sam’. Sam is an autistic athlete who has competed in multiple events and has set his sights on becoming the first autistic BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethic) community to finish the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. And Chris Nikic, who became the first person with down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN triathlon. The IRONMAN community is a community of all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life, from professional Olympic triathletes, single moms, grandparents looking for a retirement hobby and athletes who work a 9 till 5 job.
With many IRONMAN European events having reached race capacity, meaning entries are closed due to the racecourse reaching the maximum number of athletes the course can hold. Athletes may be disheartened for missing out on some of the events. However, there are plenty of other exciting options to choose from. Some just a doorstep away, others are calling for a friendship gathering and jetting off on a much-needed road trip or a short travel adventure. We have pulled together the best European races which still have entries available. Whether you are a first timer, experienced campaigner, looking for an iconic destination or just looking for a post-race after party, here are some of our top picks for 2022:
BEST IRONMAN FOR FIRST TIMERS: IRONMAN Vichy
With over 50% of first timers registering for this course last year and voted second best race on the IRONMAN circuit in the Athlete Choice Awards in 2019, this friendly town is the perfect host for those taking their first step into a full distance IRONMAN.
The event offers a double-race weekend and has one of the best finish line parties on the global circuit according to the 2019 Athletes Choice Awards, 2nd only to IRONMAN Kalmar in Sweden. With both IRONMAN Vichy and IRONMAN 70.3 Vichy taking place on the same weekend, the city buzzes with excitement and the party does not end on that finish line, with festivities often carrying on throughout the night.
The course
With a warm swim (average water temperature: 25 degrees Celsius), a scenic bike ride across rural French landscape, and a four-loop fast flat run course that leads around Lac d’Allier and through the parks of Vichy. All this culminating with a crazy atmosphere at the finish line, it’s no surprise that this course is popular with first timers. Athletes get to enjoy running through tree-lined boulevards laid out in the 19th century, and art-deco buildings such as the Opéra de Vichy, which all add to the town’s nostalgic feel.
Post-race
According to legend, when Caesar King went out on a picnic, he discovered the magical effect of Vichy’s hot spring water, and Vichy Town opened its hot springs. Known as the “Queen of Spa Towns” thanks to the cities famous mineral spring, Vichy Célestins, this is the perfect place to kick back, relax and give your body a much-needed pampering session post-race.
To register and find out more, visit: Register – IRONMAN Vichy
BEST IRONMAN TO TEST YOUR FITNESS: IRONMAN France Nice
Sticking to the French theme, next up on the list is IRONMAN France Nice showcasing the Côte d’Azur. Having successfully hosted the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in the city of Nice, the IRONMAN French team and the city of Nice offers an iconic sporting bucket list experience and an event that needs to be ticket off at least once as an avid triathlete. Experience one of Europe’s premier triathlon playgrounds as you race from the Mediterranean to the mountains in the glamourous French riviera city of Nice.
In the 2019 global Athletes Choice Awards, this event came third in Overall Swim Experience category and fourth in Overall Venue Experience. The event offers 2 races in one day, with both the IRONMAN France Nice and IRONMAN 70.3 Nice taking place on June 26, 2022. Two tough events that offer the perfect course to test yourself by pushing the body to the limits.
The course
The swim takes place in the azure waters of the Mediterranean as the open water swim course starts at the Plage des Ponchettes in front of the Quai des Etats-Unis. And the bike course, well this is where you prove that Anything Is Possible as you take on one of the toughest bike courses on the European circuit. Looking for steep hills and fast declines? Well, you find them here. With winding roads and elevation gain of 2400m, this technical bike course is suitable for those seasoned campaigners looking to prepare their legs for a tough day of racing at the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Or those uber bikers looking to show off their prowess. It is a biker’s course for sure.
After biking through the hinterland of Nice and through the beautiful villages of Parc Naturel des PreAlpes d’Azur, athletes enjoy a four-loop run course along the legendary Promenade des Anglais. With average air temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius, be prepared for a hot run in the sun as you head out to Nice Airport and back to the finish line to round off a day that will see you get that nod of respect among the IRONMAN community.
Post-race
The city of Nice is one of the most accessible cities in France, making it easy to get to places. Most major airlines fly in and out of Nice, and if you want to explore the city without travelling expenses, you can walk everywhere. Walk along the Promenade du Paillon, visiting the old Nice, walking up the Castle Hill or visit the famous Promenade des Anglais. The city of Nice is best for a post-race tourism adventure, especially after a tough day out on course.
To register and find out more, visit: Register – IRONMAN France Nice
BEST IRONMAN FOR F1 MOTORSPORTS FANATICS: IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais
You may have seen or heard about the Formula One Netflix Show, Drive To Survive. A show that highlights the sports drivers and its amazing race destinations. Imagine being on the track on one of those Formula One courses, well stop imagining – make it a reality. Not in a Formula One car, but on your time-trial bike hunched over on your tri bars as you zoom around part of the famous Estoril Formula One circuit, riding through stunning Sintra and Portugal’s beautiful Atlantic coastline. That’s right, part of IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais bike course takes place on one of the official Formula One tracks. Pedal down and clock in your own lightning speeds on one of the world’s fastest motor vehicle tracks, how fast can you go?
The course
Get goosebumps as crowds of spectators line up along the shore as you navigate your way in calm open waters in the protected bay of the village, before taking on a two-loop bike course that takes you through breathtaking views of the Portuguese Riviera while allowing you to cycle inside the mountains, on roads of rare scenic beauty. A picture-perfect bike course that allows you to take in the most scenic views of Cascais. The three-loop marathon run course starts in Cascais, then follows the Guinch road along the coast to Cabo Raso and returns to the heart of Cascais. A challenging course, especially on a windy day.
Post-race
This is one to bring the whole family to; make a weekend out of it. Cascais is a premier holiday destination of the Lisbon coastline. It has stunning historic sites to visit, friendly people, great foods, vibrant culture, and a warm climate allowing you and the family to take full advantage of the beach. What better way to end off the season with your loved ones. Enjoy the last European race of the season with a family getaway.
To register and find out more, visit: Register – IRONMAN Portugal-Cascais
ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST RACE: IRONMAN Switzerland Thun
Recently voted as the “World’s #1 Bucket List Race” by the IRONMAN community on social media, beating far-flung finalists such as IRONMAN Cozumel and IRONMAN New Zealand, this race is the ultimate experience for age-groupers and professional athletes alike.
The majestic Alps – reflected in the pristine waters of Lake Thun – welcomes athletes to Thun which is the new home of IRONMAN Switzerland. This race previously took place in Zurich for 23 years before moving to its new home in 2018. A stunning course that signifies a celebration of the Swiss mountain culture and picture-perfect landscapes. Spot the three famous peaks Eiger, Monger, Jungfrau from the event site and marvel at the beauty of this unique landscape.
The course
With a swim in a crystal-clear Alpine Lake, a mind-bogglingly beautiful bike course with views on the majestic Swiss mountains, and a royal run course along the lake bank and past fairytale-like castles, this race is truly Insta-worthy.
Post-race
Thun is a tourist destination, one of the most original towns in Switzerland. With its picturesque castle, quaint medieval centre and sweeping views of the Alps, this town offers visitors plenty of aesthetical tourist attractions to behold. The perfect place for an engagement, anniversary or romantic getaway. Both history and nature lovers will have plenty to do and learn about in Thun, a destination like none other.
To register and find out more, visit: Register – IRONMAN Switzerland Thun
