Belgium’s Frederik van Lierde and Mary Beth Ellis of the USA took the titles at the Ironman event in Nice, France on Sunday.
The Cote d’Azur was the venue for the Ironman France event on Sunday – A a gruelling test of fitness and endurance.
Competitors made a two loop swim in blue waters of the Mediterranean sea – followed by a short run on the beach – totalling 3.8 kilometres.
Next up was a 180 kilometre cycle.
Then finally a run along the Promenade des Anglais – four loops of the famous waterfront making up a 42.2 kilometre finish.
The man to take the crown was Belgium’s Frederick van Lierde who claimed his third straight title in the men’s event.
In the women’s race, it was Mary Beth Ellis of the USA who emerged from a small field of female athletes.
Ellis eased to the finish line in a time of nine hours, 12 minutes and 54 seconds – nearly eight minutes quicker than her nearest rival.
