2026 Will Be the Last Edition of the IM 70.3 World Championship in Nice, Despite Contract for Later Editions

Ironman CEO Scott DeRue talks about future of IM 70.3 World Championship (Picture: Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Despite contracts already being signed, the Ironman 70.3 World Championship will not take place in Nice in 2028 and 2030. After this year, the global title fight in the famous French seaside resort is officially over, meaning the organization must look for new host venues.

The 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championship will still take place in Nice during the weekend of September 12 and 13, but in 2027, the circus will move to Chattanooga in the United States. Anyone hoping that the IM 70.3 World Championship would return to Nice in 2028 and 2030 can now abandon that hope. The contract for 2028 will be canceled, and the extra option for 2030 along with it.

Ever since Nice elected a new mayor – Eric Ciotti – the city has thrown a cat among the proverbial pigeons. The brand-new mayor wants to cut €60 million in spending, partly by scrapping major sporting events. He previously indicated he would cancel the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, a claim that Ironman immediately disputed at the time.

While the regular Ironman events are under severe pressure, they will still continue to take place in Nice for now. However, it goes without saying that the relationship between the city and the organization is highly strained. The most recent edition was canceled at the last minute due to extreme temperatures.

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