Clément Mignon became only the second Frenchman, and the first since the inaugural edition in 2005, to win the gruelling Nice Ironman on Sunday.

A 3.8km swim off the Niçois shore, a 180km ride up to the town of Castellane and back, and a 42km run… Factoring in the intense heat of a perfect summer’s day on the Côte d’Azur, Sunday’s race was a gruelling challenge for competitors so it can come as no surprise that the course record, set by Belgian Frederik Van Lierde (8h08’59”) back in 2013, wasn’t broken.

The winner of this 18th edition was Mignon, who has lived in Nice for almost three years, with a time of eight hours, 17 minutes and 40 seconds. He is the first Frenchman to win the race since Hervé Faure 18 years ago.

2014 winner Bart Aernouts (8h24’12”) of Belgium was the next to reach the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais, with German Jonas Hoffmann (8h27’25”) rounding off the podium.

In the half Ironman, it was an all-French podium. Paul Loiseaux (4h22’11”) of Team Nissa stood upon the top step with Clément Simon and David Benistant finishing second and third respectively.

The well-attended event also allowed amateurs to compete so countless family members and friends lined the Promenade des Anglais alongside fans and onlookers in support of what is a tough and, for many, emotional challenge.

The World Championship comes to the Côte in September

Sunday’s event was a precursor to a larger event as the Ironman World Championship comes to Nice on 10th September. The Men’s event will take place in the Riviera city, whilst the Women’s edition will take place in Kona, Hawaii in October.

Through his victory in the Ironman-stamped event, Mignon will now compete in the prestigious championship in his home city.

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Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life