01·Course Characteristics
A unique canal swim and rolling, windy bike course lead to an exposed, spectator-lined run along the promenade. Pacing the coastal wind is key to surviving this fast race.
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02·Course by Section
You start on the beach and swim straight into the legendary Vendée Globe canal. The canal protects you from ocean swells, but you will experience a unique point-to-point flow with high spectator lining along the docks.
A single-loop course that winds through the Olonna forest and coastal countryside. While the total elevation is modest, rolling hills and persistent coastal headwinds can quietly drain your legs if over-biked.
A flat, multi-loop run along the Atlantic Ocean promenade and around Lake Tanchet. The atmosphere is electric with spectators, but there is zero shade, leaving you fully exposed to the midday sun and wind.
03·AVG beginners' Training Timeline
This 16-week plan systematically builds your endurance from a modest base to meet the unique demands of Les Sables. By combining early aerobic volume with wind-resistance bike work and heat-adapted run prep, you will arrive at the start line ready to tackle the canal and conquer the windy coast.
Aerobic Base
Establish aerobic capacity and comfortable swim endurance.
Strength & Rolling Power
Develop bike power for rolling hills and resistance against coastal winds.
Race-Specific Build
Build run durability and practice race-pace bricks in exposed conditions.
Peak & Taper
Fine-tune pacing, taper volume, and lock in your nutrition strategy.
Adapts to your fitness, schedule & recovery every week.
Personalize this timeline04·Race-Day Execution
With temperatures reaching 24°C and zero shade on the run, heat management is vital. Grab ice and water at every aid station to douse your head and keep your core temperature down.
Aim for 80-90g of carbohydrates and 750-1000ml of fluids per hour on the bike to offset the drying coastal wind. Carry extra salt tablets to counter heavy sweating under the high UV sun.
Do not burn your matches fighting the coastal headwinds during the first half of the bike. Keep your power capped at 75-80% FTP on the rolling sections to preserve your legs for the fast, flat half marathon.
Choose a medium-depth front wheel to handle gusty crosswinds along the coastline. Arrive at least two days early to practice the unique canal entry and exit logistics in transition.
The swim starts with a unique departure from the Grande Plage beach, taking you directly into the Atlantic Ocean before entering the town's historic harbor channel. You will swim down the famous Chenal des Sables d'Olonne, the same channel used by the Vendée Globe yacht racers, which offers a highly spectator-friendly run-up to the first transition.
The single-loop 90 km bike course is relatively fast but features rolling terrain through the Vendée countryside, accumulating roughly 600 meters of total elevation gain. You will navigate a mix of coastal flats and short, punchy climbs, meaning a well-paced effort and staying aerodynamic on the flatter sections are key to saving your legs.
The run is a flat, three-loop course that takes you along the scenic Remblai promenade, offering massive crowd support and beautiful ocean views. Because the course is entirely paved and lacks significant elevation changes, it is highly conducive to a fast half-marathon split if you manage your pacing early on.
Yes, water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean during early July typically hover between 16°C and 19°C (61°F to 66°F), making wetsuits highly likely to be mandatory or optional for age-group athletes. It is highly recommended to practice open-water swimming in your wetsuit beforehand to adapt to the ocean swells and potential tidal currents in the channel.
This race utilizes a single transition area located conveniently near the beach promenade in Les Sables d'Olonne. After exiting the swim channel, you will have a short run to your gear in Transition 1, and you will return to this same central hub to transition from the bike to the run.
Your Personalized Plan
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