An elite field of professional triathletes from around the globe are preparing to descend on Nice, France for the first ever IRONMAN® World Championship triathlon in Europe. On Sunday 10 September, the men’s edition of the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon will see professional and age-group men swim, bike, and run along the French Riveria in what is set to be a defining moment in IRONMAN history. The most iconic endurance event in the world will bring together over 2,000 of the world’s top professional male triathletes who will battle for a piece of the $375,000 USD Male professional prize purse and the title of IRONMAN World Champion.
“We are so excited to be joined by some of the world’s top class athletes in Nice for this historical moment in IRONMAN World Championship history.” said Andrew Messick, President & Chief Executive Officer for The IRONMAN Group. “Nice is the perfect dual host for the inaugural VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Europe; it will offer a different, yet just as rewarding challenge to what we may be used to in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, but ultimately the best and strongest athlete on the day will be crowned IRONMAN World Champion. I can’t wait to see how this race unfolds.”
In the absence of reigning IRONMAN World Champion, Gustav Iden, a new IRONMAN World Champion will be crowned. Wearing bib number one will be three-time IRONMAN World Champion, two-time IRONMAN® 70.3® World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Jan Frodeno (DEU). Having already announced he would be retiring at the end of the season, this will be Frodeno’s last chance to clinch a fourth IRONMAN World Champion title. Compatriot and rival, Patrick Lange, will be looking for one final showdown for the history books, after the pair famously dominated top place on the podium between the years of 2015 and2019.
Looking to make a statement against the Germans in their home country will be Sam Laidlow, Leon Chevalier, Clement Mignon and Denis Chevrot. As last year’s runner-up, Laidlow will undoubtedly be keen to continue his strong form, and earn a top spot on the podium. Chevrot should also not be underestimated following a strong season so far, which included becoming two-time IRONMAN European Champion. Local Clement Mignon is also no stranger to the course after winning the 2023 IRONMAN France Nice triathlon just over two months ago.
Following a year of impressive performances, Magnus Ditlev (DEN) will be a strong contender for the top spot. In addition, Joe Skipper (GBR) who won the 2023 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid triathlon, Braden Currie (NZL) who became the 2023 IRONMAN Asia-Pacific triathlon Champion, , and Rudy Von Berg (USA) who took the win at Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon amongst others will all join in the battle for a spot on the IRONMAN World Championship podium.
As a nod to the immense triathlon history that exists in the European birthplace of long-distance triathlon that is Nice, France, the race will be centred around the “Promenade des Anglais”, Nice’s most famous walkway – and an iconic location which has seen some of triathlon’s elite race to victory, from Paula Newby-Fraser to Mark Allen. These professional men will be looking to add their name to the star-studded list of triathletes that have gone on to etch their name in triathlon history in Nice, France.
Beginning with the Mediterranean Sea swim, athletes will enter the water from the Promenade des Anglais and follow a double rectangular out and back course in the water, before embarking on one of the most iconic bike courses in all of the triathlon world. Technical and challenging but rewarding in its beauty, athletes will take in the rooftop villages of Vence, Gourdon and Tourettes-sur-Loup on the ascent, before they cruise down the “Route de Thorenc” and through the “Clues de Gréolières” on the descent, famous for its stunning feature film backdrop scenery.
The flat four lap run course will take runners up and down the glitzy Promenade des Anglais, giving them the opportunity to soak up the Mediterranean Sea and infamous Chaises Bleues (blue chairs) on one side, and the luxury hotels and casinos on the other, while gaining encouragement by the crowds gathered at multiple spectator friendly points.
A full list of professional men’s field listed below*:
1 Frodeno, Jan, DEU
2 Lange, Patrick, DEU
3 Laidlow, Sam, FRA
5 Skipper, Joe, GBR
6 Chevalier, Leon, FRA
7 Ditlev, Magnus, DNK
8 Mignon, Clement, FRA
9 Currie, Braden, NZL
10 Chevrot, Denis, FRA
11 Von Berg, Rudy, USA
12 Baekkegard, Daniel, DNK
14 Heemeryck, Pieter, BEL
15 Hogenhaug, Kristian, DNK
16 Weiss, Bradley, ZAF
17 Hanson, Matt, USA
18 Petersen, Mathias, DNK
19 Barnaby, Gregory, ITA
20 Leiferman, Chris, USA
21 Wurf, Cameron, AUS
22 Aernouts, Bart, BEL
23 Guilloux, Arnaud, FRA
25 Phillips, Mike, NZL
27 Wilkowiecki, Robert, POL
28 Loeschke, Franz, DEU
29 Heldoorn, Niek, NLD
30 Hoffman, Jonas, DEU
32 Salvisberg, Andrea, CHE
33 Svenningsso, Rasmus, SWE
34 Arnold, Leonard, DEU
35 McMahon, Brent, CAN
36 Weiss, Michael, AUT
37 Toldi, Fernando, BRA
39 Grue, Kristian, NOR
40 Feigh, Adam, USA
41 Lopes, Andre, BRA
42 Hammerle, Maximilian, AUT
43 Enzenberger, Georg, AUT
44 Chang, Tuan Chun, TWN
45 Colucci, Reinaldo, BRA
46 Marquardt, Matthew, USA
47 Martinussen, Oliver, DNK
48 Hill, Benjamin, AUS
49 Horseau, Arthur, FRA
50 Conte, Remi, FRA
51 Phillips, Ben, NZL
52 Dortmann, Nathan, AUS
