IRONMAN brand owner World Triathlon Corp (WTC) has announced the addition of the IRONMAN Vichy triathlon in France to next year’s IRONMAN European Tour. The inaugural race will be held on 30 August 2015 – with the new IRONMAN 70.3 Vichy taking place on 29 August 2015.
Vichy, located in central France in the Auvergne region, is known throughout the world for its mineral waters, thermal baths and spas. It has grown into a triathlon hotspot hosting multiple triathlon events organized by Optimum Sports Events, which had previous run the events under the Challenge brand and was recently acquired by IRONMAN.
Consisting of a 3.8 K swim, a 180.2 K bike and a 42.2 K run, IRONMAN Vichy will feature a swim in Lac d’Allier with ‘fantastic spectator viewing areas’. The bike course, which passes through hills in the departments Allier and Puy-de-Dôme, will otherwise be mostly flat and fast.
The marathon will include a four-loop run course throughout the city centre of Vichy and will pass close to the city’s sights such as the Arcades and the Opera house. The finish line is located in the Centre Omnisports Pierre Coulon and the finish line party will take place near Palais du Lac.
“We are very excited to add a second full-distance race in France to our IRONMAN European Tour. Vichy as well as Nice offer two fantastic opportunities for athletes to race in Western Europe and to enjoy the IRONMAN experience,” said Thomas Dieckhoff, CEO IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The 2015 IRONMAN Vichy will have 50 qualifying slots to the 2016 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. Professional athletes will compete for 2,000 Kona Pro Ranking points as well as a total prize purse of US$25,000 USD.
Registration for IRONMAN Vichy will open on 21 January 2015 at 14:00. CET.
