Nestled between the azure blue waters and striking red cliffs, the French Riviera is on the brink of becoming the next legendary stage for triathlon enthusiasts. The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) is setting the stage for an event that aims to rival the likes of Challenge Roth and Ironman Kona with its breathtaking scenery and challenging courses.

A Storied Past with Triathlon

Triathlon has a deep-rooted history in France, particularly along the picturesque southern coast. The Saint-Raphael-Fréjus region, known for its early contributions to the sport in Europe, is now poised to host the French Riviera T100, potentially reshaping the global triathlon scene.

Sam Renouf, CEO of PTO, shares his excitement about the location, "The French Riviera was an obvious choice for us. Saint-Raphael and Frejus, in particular, offer an incredible potential for a bike course that could become a new legend in the sport."

The choice of the "Base Nature" venue in Fréjus is strategic, providing a rare blend of coastal access and festival grounds, which addresses many logistical challenges faced in organizing world-class triathlon events. Renouf adds, "It's rare to find such a perfect mix of festival venue features right by the coast, which makes it ideal for both athletes and spectators."

Crafting the Next "Bucket List" Race

What transforms a race into an iconic event? According to Renouf, it's about the integration of the location with the sport's culture and narrative. "We're not just creating a race; we're aiming to embed this event into the triathlon culture, much like Roth and Kona have," he explains.

The vision for the French Riviera T100 draws inspiration from other landmark sports events, aiming to create a race that every triathlete aspires to experience. "These are the races that mark a milestone in an athlete's career, offering not just a competition but a transformative experience," Renouf notes.

A New Twist on the T100 Course

Breaking away from the typical T100 format, the French Riviera event will feature a challenging 80km bike course with significant elevation, offering a unique challenge and showcasing the stunning local terrain.

"We usually prefer shorter loops for better spectator engagement, but the breathtaking views and unique challenges of this course were too good to pass up for the professional segment as well," says Renouf.

This course design not only enhances the race experience but also allows both professional and age-group athletes to compete on the same terrain, testing their limits on a world-class course.

A Historic Gathering of Triathlon's Elite

In a groundbreaking move, the French Riviera T100 will coincide with a World Triathlon Championship Series event, marking the first time the world's top long and short distance triathletes will compete in the same weekend.

"This historic convergence is a testament to France's vibrant triathlon scene and its world-class athletes," Renouf remarks. "It's a powerhouse of the sport, and there's no better place to bring together these two worlds."

The Ultimate Showcase of Athleticism

The T100's 100km format is meticulously designed to balance endurance with high-intensity racing, aiming to crown the "ultimate athlete." This approach not only highlights the physical prowess required for long-distance triathlon but also ensures thrilling, high-stakes competition to the very end.

Renouf elaborates, "Our goal is to diversify the competition to keep outcomes uncertain and exciting, which is essential for engaging fans and growing the sport."

Building a New Legacy in Triathlon

The French Riviera T100 is more than just a race; it's a vision to forge a new pinnacle in triathlon. By marrying challenging courses with stunning backdrops and a rich sporting history, the PTO is crafting an event that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the most revered races in triathlon history.

For those drawn to the sport, whether as seasoned athletes or enthusiastic spectators, the French Riviera T100 in August 2025 promises a spectacular blend of competition and celebration in one of the world's most stunning settings.