Patrick Lange (DEU): The Defending Dynasty

With bib number one, three-time and reigning IRONMAN World Champion Patrick Lange is back in Nice, aiming for his fourth title. After claiming his third championship in Kona last year and finishing second in Nice in 2023, Lange has proven his versatility across different venues. Although he admits he "hasn't reached his peak so far this year," his track record speaks for itself—Lange is an athlete who thrives under pressure.

Lange’s ability to perform on the sport's biggest stages makes him a formidable force, regardless of his current season form. His experience in navigating the pressure of defending a title, combined with his intimate knowledge of the Nice course, positions him as a serious contender for history.

Sam Laidlow (FRA): The Hometown Hero's Redemption

Sam Laidlow holds the unique distinction of being the youngest-ever IRONMAN World Champion, a title he earned on this very course in Nice two years ago. Racing on home soil adds an emotional dimension that could either fuel extraordinary performance or create additional pressure.

After an injury-plagued start to 2025, Laidlow has found his form at the perfect moment, capturing victory at the inaugural IRONMAN Leeds last month. This recent win demonstrates his return to championship condition and suggests he’s peaking precisely when it matters most. The French crowd support could provide the extra motivation needed to reclaim his crown.

Norwegian Dominance: Blummenfelt and Iden

The Norwegian training methodology has proven transformative in long-distance triathlon, and two of its greatest ambassadors headline this championship field.

Kristian Blummenfelt enters as arguably the most consistent male athlete of 2025, with victories at IRONMAN Texas, IRONMAN Frankfurt, and IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence. Currently sitting third in the IRONMAN Pro Series standings, Blummenfelt is chasing a perfect season score and the historic opportunity to become the first athlete to win both the IRONMAN World Championship and IRONMAN Pro Series titles in the same year.

Gustav Iden, the 2022 IRONMAN World Champion, has quietly rebuilt his form after battling injuries. His fourth-place finish at IRONMAN Frankfurt in June served as an ominous warning to competitors—when fully healthy, Iden possesses the speed and tactical awareness to win on any given day.

2024 Podium Returners

Magnus Ditlev (DNK) and Rudy Von Berg (USA) return with unfinished business from last year’s podium. Ditlev holds the IRONMAN African Championship title after his early season victory in South Africa, while Von Berg has maintained his trademark consistency with two podium finishes already in 2025.

Olympic Crossover Athletes

The transition from Olympic-distance to IRONMAN racing represents one of triathlon’s most challenging adaptations, but two Paris Olympians are making this leap with serious championship ambitions.

Marten Van Riel (BEL) made an explosive IRONMAN debut in Cozumel, leading the majority of the bike leg before an unfortunate crash. His second-place finish at IRONMAN South Africa behind Ditlev demonstrated his immediate adaptation to the distance. Though currently nursing an ankle injury with questionable race status, Van Riel’s middle-distance speed could translate to podium potential if healthy.

Jonas Schomburg (DEU) has been equally impressive, finishing third in South Africa and showing the German efficiency that could thrive on Nice’s technical course.

American Powerhouses

Sam Long returns for just his second IRONMAN World Championship, bringing one of the sport’s most formidable bike-run combinations. Winner of IRONMAN Chattanooga in 2024, Long’s fan-favorite status and proven ability to close strong make him a compelling wildcard.

Matthew Marquardt secured his first and second IRONMAN victories in Cairns and Lake Placid this year, demonstrating the breakthrough momentum that often translates to championship success.

Mediterranean Swimming Theatre

The 3.8km swim unfolds in the iconic Baie des Anges, featuring a double rectangular out-and-back course that provides spectacular viewing for spectators while testing athletes' open-water navigation skills. The Mediterranean’s typically calm conditions favor strong swimmers looking to establish early advantages.

The Legendary Bike Challenge

The 180km bike course represents one of triathlon’s most demanding and scenic challenges. Athletes navigate technical ascents through rooftop villages before experiencing the famous "Route de Thorenc" descent through the "Clues de Gréolières"—a section renowned for its stunning beauty and technical demands.

This course rewards tactical intelligence and technical skill over pure power, potentially favoring athletes with strong bike-handling abilities and strategic patience. The challenging terrain could create significant time gaps that prove decisive in the final standings.

Promenade des Anglais Marathon

The four-lap, 42.2km run course along the glamorous Promenade des Anglais offers a compelling contrast of luxury and suffering. Athletes run alongside Mediterranean views and the famous Chaises Bleues while drawing energy from deep crowd support lining the course.

The flat profile favors strong runners, but the mental challenge of four laps tests psychological resilience as much as physical endurance. Late-race positioning on this course often determines championship outcomes.