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For those preparing for Nice and who do not live in the region and are not able to train on the original race course, I would recommend concentrating on the bike training.” says Valérie Sinko. Valerie is one of the 138 athletes from the Côte d’Azur who signed up for the 4th edition of Ironman France and will take up the challenge of a 3.8km swim, followed by 180km cycle and a marathon on the Promenade des Anglais.
The 138 athletes from Cote d’Azur will have an advantage over the other 2362 athletes at the 4th Ironman France as they know the course intimately. Eight female and 130 male triathletes from the Alpes-Maritimes department will be at the starting line to combine 3.8km of swimming, 180km of cycling in the picturesque hinterland and a marathon of 42.195km along the Mediterranean.
The eldest of these 138 athletes is Jean-Pierre Rosselet from Nice who is 66 years of age. The youngest competitor, Marin Degresco is also from Nice and is a 22 year old student. The triathletes from the Côte d’Azur remain perfectly in the big picture as their average age is 39 years. The most represented club is Olympic Nice Natation with 26 members on the starting line, followed by Antibes Triathlon with 20 sportsmen and –women, and Triathlon du Pays Grassois with 10 participants.
“Back in 1986, when I first participated in the Triathlon International de Nice, I said to myself that one day I’d like to participate in an Ironman. Since then I always competed in spoting events, and this year I will participate in Ironman France for the third time.” declares Valérie Sinko, mother of three children, lawyer and triathlete. “In the beginning my goal was just to finish and instantly I had good results. I qualified for Kona twice and my goal for 2008 is a Top 3 rank. I would also like to travel to Hawaii, but only in 2009, when some friends will come along.” Valérie from the Trialp 06 club will participate in Monaco Ironman 70.3 in order to grab a slot for Kona 2009. “For those preparing for Nice and who do not have the chance to live in the region to train on the original race course, I would recommend concentrating on the bike training. If you park your bike after 180km while still having energy in your legs, you will be able to better enjoy the marathon along the Mediterranean.”
Valérie is a recidivist, like 73 other athletes from the region. What about the 64 remaining participants? These are first-timers, or rookies in Ironman terminology. Eric Fages Tafanelli is one of these rookies. “I like these three sports disciplines, and I have been planning to participate in this prestigious race since 2006. I enjoyed the race as a spectator in 2007 and I can’t wait to cross that Finishline myself!” says the fitness coach who lives in Nice. “My life is based on sports and as long as I enjoy it as much as I do, I will not alter my lifestyle! My challenge on 22 June will be on a psychological level. My friends from the club who already finished this race have helped me to prepare mentally. I expect an exceptional day in my life!”
Be sure to follow Ironman France on 22 June 2008. The start will be given at 6h30 on the Nice beach, and 138 athletes from the Côte d’Azur will spend a great day of Show & Sports with 2362 athletes, representing 52 nations, from around the world.
Competitors list for Ironman France 2008
IRONMAN France - Nice Triathlon
22 June 2008
3.8km SWIM | 180km BIKE | 42.195km RUN
50 qualifying places for the Ironman World Championship on 11 October 2008
Athletes representing 52 nations
16 hours and more of show & sports on race day
5 days of triathlon and multisports expo in the Jardins Albert 1er in Nice.
www.ironmanfrance.com
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