The new mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, announced on Thursday the cessation of subsidies for these two sporting events and therefore their cancellation. But the organizers decided to forgo the city’s help and to take charge of the expenses for these races.
Published on April 24, 2026 at 12:18
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/2026/04/24/69eb43067055e867436089.jpg "Ironman 70.3 and Ultra")
Ironman 70.3 will indeed take place in Nice “in September,” announced Mayor Éric Ciotti (UDR) at the municipal council on Friday, April 24, as reported by ICI Azur. The Ultra-trail is also maintained this year. Both organizers have chosen to forego the city’s subsidies and will bear the costs of these races.
This announcement came hours after an email from the Ironman 70.3 management was sent to the city. “We agree to organize the event without relying on the participation of the city of Nice,” it read. The city then declared that it “takes note of this email, and since the city will not spend money, this event will indeed take place on the Promenade des Anglais.” The organizer confirmed on their social networks to be “working in collaboration with the city” and that the 2026 editions of Ironman France Nice, Ironman 70.3, and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships will proceed as planned.
On Thursday, Éric Ciotti announced during his presentation of the city and metropolitan area budget to the press: “We do not want to spend over a million euros (1.6 million euros) for an event that paralyzes the Promenade des Anglais, mobilizes hundreds of agents and law enforcement. The Ironman 70.3, scheduled for September 12-13, will therefore not take place.” In addition to this race, this political decision also led to the cancellation of the Ultra-trail and the International Petanque Tournament.
Just like with the Ironman 70.3, the Ultra-trail management also sent an email to the city of Nice, stating that they will cover the organization costs. This event represented a cost of 650,000 euros for the city. The sporting event also takes place in September. Éric Ciotti read the message at the municipal council, to the applause of his majority, according to ICI Azur.
Since 2005, Nice has also hosted the Ironman France, whose next edition in June is a qualifier for the world championships that will take place in September.
