Ironman 70.3 World Championship Nice, France: My Race Experience

After Mussleman 70.3 I was ranked 70th in the age graded ranking and I had a gut feeling I should experience the roll down. It was getting really close…. then…. I was in utter disbelief. They called my name. Without thinking I got up and strolled to the counter to pay my registration fee for the 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

I have never traveled internationally like this before so the trip was filled with firsts. Months leading up to the race I was more nervous than excited but as the trip was getting closer I felt more excitement. I was surrounded with support with friends giving advice, pointers and encouragement to ensure a great experience. If it weren’t for them, the trip would not have gone as smooth.

The days leading up to the race were filled with walking in Nice’s beautiful weather soaking up every ounce of Ironman energy. On Wednesday I participated in a practice swim that followed the same course as the championship which was a huge confidence boost. I have never swam in the ocean before and was extremely nervous to enter the water. But when the time came there was no turning back. I took a few steps and I dove right in. The water was so warm and the bluest blue I’ve ever seen. It was, however, very very salty. 

I also took advantage of 2 runs with pro athletes. The first was with That Triathlon Life and the second was with Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden, 2 of some of the best triathletes in the world. It was so cool to run right beside them. 

Friday was reserved for bike check in and bag drops in the morning then rest in the afternoon. The race had 2 transition areas and they were not close to each other. This was there first time experiencing 2 transitions and the use of bags. Although it took a little more thought to put together, I liked the bags better than having everything in one transition spot. It was more organized and everything I needed was in the bag, not spread out in a small transition area. 

Finally it was race morning. The pros went off at 7am and my wave went off at 7:30. The start was filled with excitement and nerves form everyone. I took only a few steps then dove into the water. I knew what to expect from the practice swim and sure enough the sun was blinding to the point I couldn’t see the next buoy (which were spaced far apart). But I knew I was heading in the right direction. I made my way around the next 2 buoys then felt more of a current and waves pushing against me. I thought I was sighting the correct next turn buoy, but a kayaker informed me I was heading towards the wrong one. I wasn’t too far off course, but the current made it hard to get back on track. Finally, I was headed to the finish. The water was so salty I was chafing in my armpits and my eyes were burning like I never felt before, but I was almost there! Thank goodness for the volunteers pulling us out of the water because it was near impossible with the stones. I am happy with my 44 minute non-wetsuit ocean swim! 

It was a long way to T1. I quickly put on my race belt, helmet, shoes and grabbed my nutrition and was off to another long run to my bike. I was upset that there was no sunscreen like they said there was going to be. I thought for sure I was going to burn to a crisp on the bike. (I did not by the way). 

The bike course was the most stunning scenery I have ever seen. I wanted to soak it up, but I knew I had to stay focused on the descent. The first few miles were flat which provided a nice warm up then we made a sharp right turn towards a very short steep (12%) hill. It was hard, but didn’t last long. Before we arrived at the base Col de Vence, the long 6% climb, it was fairly flat. The Col de Vence was a winding road in full sun. However, the temperature was not that hot. The view at the top was unbelievable with the Mediterranean in the distance. On the descent there were parts that were cold to the point I started shivering, but didn’t last long. I stayed within my capabilities which allowed me to survive the ride. The roads were technical and my focus was needed 100%. From what I did see, the villages in the mountains were breathtaking. Coming back into Nice, I took advantage of the flats and stayed in the aero position to push to the end. It was a nice change in position because my upper body was sore from being tense. 

Coming into T2 was exciting because I survived what I thought would be the end of me. My bike was to be racked inside so I made my way to my spot. When I got there the 2 bikes next to me were racked incorrectly so I had to take extra time to make room and rack mine the way it was supposed to be. Then I ran to get my bag, changed into my run gear and hit the porta potty for a quick bathroom break. 

The run started with a slight uphill then back down making for a nice jump start with the legs. It was along the Promenade de Anglais, which was lined with palm trees and next to the beach. The crowd support was along the whole course and was very encouraging. I did feel bloated which prevented me from going as fast as I’d like, which is something I need to continue to work on. The course consisted of 2 loops. On the second loop my bib broke off on one side and seemed to be disintegrating as the run went on with the salt. When it was time to make the right turn to the finish I thought “This is it. This is what I have been training for.” Running in was an amazing experience seeing the iconic finish line and hearing all the cheers. I stayed present and soaked in every moment and feeling. 

This trip has been epic, iconic and perfect. Ironman puts on a great experience and I am thankful I was able to achieve this accomplishment.