Antonio Benito and Laura Philipp, protagonists in the IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence
El HOMBRE DE HIERRO The 70.3 Aix-en-Provence 2026 will be held this Sunday, May 17, as the fifth stop of the IRONMAN Pro Serieswith Antonio Benito in the men's race and Laura Philipp making her return to competition.
The French race arrives with a very high-level start list and with a detail that is unusual this season: Kristian Blummenfelt will not be at the exitThe Norwegian was the winner of IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence 2025But this time the race is open to other important names on the circuit.
El IRONMAN Pro Series It's the professional IRONMAN circuit that awards points in IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 races throughout the season. Every result counts in a ranking where the margin can be very small, especially in middle-distance races with demanding courses.
Laura Philipp returns after a difficult start to the season
One of the main focuses of the women's race will be on Laura PhilippThe 2024 IRONMAN world champion returns to competition after several weeks marked by physical and health problems.
The German arrives in Aix-en-Provence with the logical question of her competitive form. Under normal circumstances, Philipp would be one of the main favorites, especially after her victory in the IRONMAN Women's World Championship Nice 2024But the context of the last few weeks makes his performance one of the most interesting aspects of the race.
Marjolaine Pierré defends home victory
The major French reference will be Marjolaine Pierrewinner of the last edition. Racing in France always adds a special element and Pierré knows a course well that can suit his characteristics.
Pierré won in 2025 ahead of Lizzie Rayner and Lisa Meißner, in an edition where Marta Sánchez finished fourth. IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence 2025 results They confirm the level that this test usually brings.
The Frenchwoman comes from finishing fourth in the IRONMAN 70.3 ValenciaThis result confirms he's in competitive form. In Aix-en-Provence, he'll have the chance to fight for victory again in front of his home crowd.
A women's race with several candidates
The women's race is not just about the duel between Philipp and Pierré. Tanja Neubert, third in the Marbella 70.3 IRONMAN 2025 World ChampionshipShe starts as one of the triathletes to watch in a race that can be decided both on the bike and in the half marathon.
They will also be Imogen Simmondsalways dangerous on demanding bike rides, and Lisa Perterer, who will make his debut this season after missing IRONMAN Texas due to illness.
The presence of Anne-Sophie Pierre, Justine Guérard, lizzie rayner y Fenella Langridge This adds more depth to a start list with very different profiles. Rayner finished second here last year, while Langridge is still looking to regain consistency after a difficult period due to her accident.
Antonio Benito, among the standout names in the men's race
In the men's category, Blummenfelt's absence opens up the field considerably. Anthony Benito Lopez He will be one of the names to watch for Spanish fans in a career that could suit his profile well if he manages to be close at key moments.
The Spanish triathlete arrives with high morale after the victory achieved with the Cidade de Lugo Fluvial in the King's Cup Triathlon in ÁguilasHis performance at IRONMAN Texas 2026 was not what he had hoped for, so Aix-en-Provence appears as a good opportunity to return to competition with better feelings within the Pro Series.
Rico Bogen and the bike specialists, a direct threat
The German Rich BogenThe 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion arrives as one of the main favorites. His ability to perform at a middle distance and his consistency on demanding courses place him among the clear contenders for victory.
The presence of Kristian Høgenhaug y Rudy von berg This could significantly influence the course of the race. Both are triathletes capable of making the cycling segment more challenging, something particularly relevant in Aix-en-Provence.
It will also be necessary to take into account Kyle Smith y Jamie riddle, two profiles that can gain prominence if the race arrives more grouped at the final transition or if the pace on the bike does not completely select the leaders.
IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence route
El IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence It boasts one of the most comprehensive courses on the European calendar. The swimming portion takes place in the Lac des Peyrolles, a common environment for the race and starting point before tackling the cycling section.
The bike combines fast sections with more technical and demanding stretches around the surrounding area of Mont Sainte-VictoireIt's not a completely flat course nor a pure climbing test, but it does require knowing how to manage your efforts and read the race.
The final half marathon consists of three laps through the center of Aix en Provence, passing through some of the city's most recognizable landmarks before reaching the finish line in the area of Cours Mirabeau.
Schedule and where to watch the IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence
The career path of IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 at 07:00 AM local time.
The race can be followed live through the official channels of the IRONMAN Pro SeriesAccording to information published by the organization, the broadcast will be available globally on ProSeries.IRONMAN.com, YouTube y DAZNIn Spain, the broadcast can also be seen on RTVE Play.
IRONMAN also includes other international options: The Team in France, hr-Fernsehen in Germany, Disney + for Latin America and the Caribbean through ESPN, and OutsideTV for the United States and Canada.
Aix-en-Provence could be one of the most interesting races of the first part of the season. Blummenfelt's absence changes the script for the men's race, while Laura Philipp's return and Marjolaine Pierré's title defense draw much of the attention to the women's event.
