Nice extends IRONMAN France partnership until 2029 as 70.3 World Championship moves on
Nice has secured the future of IRONMAN France until 2029, although the city will no longer host future editions of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship after this year's event.
Nice will continue to host IRONMAN France until 2029, after the City of Nice and The IRONMAN Group officially renewed their partnership for another three years ahead of this weekend's race.
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The agreement secures the future of the iconic June event through to 2029, with the city maintaining its annual financial support.
Around 4,500 athletes and 15,000 spectators are expected for this year's race on Sunday 28 June, which officials estimate generates between €25 million and €30 million for the local economy.
However, while this year's IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship will still take place in Nice in September, the event will not return in 2028 or 2030 after the city decided to end its €1.5 million subsidy.
Instead, the funding will be redirected towards improving local sports facilities, including swimming pools, gyms and rugby grounds.
Despite losing the future world championship events, officials stressed that the traditional IRONMAN remains a cornerstone of Nice's sporting calendar.
Deputy Mayor for Sport Benoît Kandel described the race as an important part of the city's sporting heritage, while IRONMAN Group CEO Scott DeRue said Nice continues to be one of the sport's flagship destinations.
The race begins with a swim in the Baie des Anges, before athletes tackle the challenging bike course through the hills above Nice and finish with a marathon along the Promenade des Anglais.
Several cities in France and abroad have already expressed interest in hosting future editions of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, with a replacement venue expected to be announced at a later date.