Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, welcomes over 2,200 Ironman triathletes and their friends, family, and supporters for the first-ever world championship outside of the United States this week. It’s also the first world championship to split the men’s and women’s fields, with the men racing in Nice this week and the women racing in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 14.
The men’s race takes place on Sunday, September 10, and the Mediterranean city has gradually been overtaken by spandex-clad, time-trial bike riding athletes getting ready for the race of a lifetime. Triathlete‘s team has been on the ground all week, talking with athletes, photographing pro athlete bikes, and capturing the spirit of both the historic event and the city. Enjoy a selection of shots from our photographers of triathletes adapting to the Niçois way as they preview the swim, bike, and run courses, participate in the Parade of Nations, and soak up all that the Côte d’Azur has to offer.
Vive la France! Visit our Nice Central hub for news, analysis, history, photo galleries, and so much more – new stories added daily from our team on the ground at the men’s 2023 Ironman World Championship.
Athletes go for a shakeout run on the iconic Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges (“Bay of Angels”). “The Walkway of the English” gets its name from the British visitors who began spending winters here next to the Mediterranean Sea in the late 18th century.
Tourists and locals enjoying coffee and croissants get the added bonus of (extra fast) people-watching this week.
For a few days, Nice is the M-Dot capital of the world.
Nice electrified its horse-drawn Tramway de Nice in 1900.
Athletes navigate from the sea to the race expo through a labyrinth of narrow streets, airy squares, and colorful buildings.
An athlete from Japan gives the course two thumbs up.
Colorful athlete kits complement the cheery architecture quite well.
Race director Yves Cordier, a pioneer of French triathlon, will be supported by 1,700 volunteers to help make this world champs the most successful in history.
Even Jan Frodeno can be spotted around town getting prepared for race day.
Triathletes mingle with shoppers along the luxury store-lined avenues.
Triathletes return to town after previewing the hilly bike course surrounding Nice — featuring almost 8,000 feet of climbing.
A supporter makes their mark outside the race expo.
Friends and family wait for the Parade of Nations to start from the base of Colline du Château, a military citadel ruin in the heart of the city dating back to the 11th century.
Team Mexico is here in full force!
Team France’s pride in hosting the first Ironman World Championships outside the United States is displayed all over the city.
America boasted the largest (and loudest) contingent at the Parade of Nations.
The Ironman World Championships brings together athletes from 93 countries, regions, and territories.
Over 2,000 athletes will compete at the men’s Ironman World Championships this year.
Nice, France is just the fourth venue to host this iconic race, after Oahu and Kona, Hawaii, and Saint George, Utah.
Representatives from Team Ukraine take part in the Parade of Nations ahead of the big day in Nice, France.