The Guys in Nice

For the first time, the long-distance IRONMAN World Championships will host the men's and women's events at different venues. This year, the Spirit of Hawaii, the Pacific Island's lush natural landscape and its majestic volcanoes will remain undisturbed during the men's event, which will be held all the way in French coast. On September 10, 2023, the best male triathletes in the world will be competing in Nice, France the for the title of long-distance champion. 

The city of Nice, a center for European long-distance running, checks all the boxes as a spectacular destination for a triathlon event. 

The 3800m swim in the blue Mediterranean waters of the Baie des Anges will give way to a demanding 180km cycling circuit with more than 2400m of positive altitude gain, which will take place in the Regional Natural Park of the Préalpes d'Azur, overlooking the Cote d'Azur. Back at sea level, along the entire Promenade des Anglais, the 42.2km run of the marathon will be covered in four laps. 

These past few weeks, we have taken the opportunity to chat with our male athletes and hear their first impressions of the new circuit and expectations for the race.

Kristian Høgenhaug, a Danish triathlete, points out that the uneven terrain of the cycling sector will replace the humidity of Hawaii as an ingredient for an interesting race.

"I hope I can give it my all and give the performance that I know I am capable of. It will be a big benefit for me if the race gets really tough, and with the race circuit, I think there is a big chance of that happening. Swimming will be decisive in terms of making the first bike group or not. It is a circuit in which you can spend time on a bike and that this affects your running. My advantage is that I have already done this bike circuit in a race and I know how to control my pace. If everything goes well, I really believe that I can be in the top 5”.

Max Neumann takes advantage of winter at home in Australia for the last weeks of pre-race preparation.

"Obviously the main difference competing in Nice is the weather. In my opinion, that is the only factor that can have a big impact on the results. Everyone can pedal well enough technically to avoid wasting a lot of time on descents, so I don't think the bike is going to be as decisive as everyone thinks. Personally, I would like to have a good bike and running segment. My swimming is good enough to keep me in the lead group, so my main goal is to stay focused on the bike and save energy for a super flat and fast run along the avenue.”

Chris Leiferman believes that this new location will create new dynamics and potentially new contenders, so he is feeling motivated ahead of race day.

“My expectations are to feel strong throughout the race. If everything comes together, I will probably finish the race in the top 10, almost certainly in the top 5. I am confident that if my execution is correct, my physical shape and abilities will put me on top of the world.”
 

For the women's race, we will have to wait until October and travel to Kona, where their World championship will take place on October 14th. Orca athletes, Sara True and Manon Genet, will be there.