01·Course Characteristics
A stunning yet deceptive course combining an Atlantic ocean swim, a windy, rolling bike through French marshlands, and an entirely flat, sun-exposed coastal marathon.
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02·Course by Section
Starting on the sandy beach of the Grande Plage, you will navigate the open waters of the bay before turning into the historic Vendée Globe channel. The final stretch is a direct, sheltered swim up the channel to Port Olona.
A two-loop course traversing 17 rural communes, marshes, and the forest of Olonne. While fast, the route is defined by constant rolling false flats and relentless wind exposure along coastal and marshland zones.
A flat, fast four-loop marathon along the paved seaside Remblai promenade and past Tanchet lake. Expect high spectator energy, but prepare for high temperatures and zero shelter from the midday sun.
03·AVG beginners' Training Timeline
This 24-week plan systematically develops your endurance from a modest baseline to full-distance readiness. Early phases prioritize structural durability, while the later blocks prepare your mind and muscles for the rolling, windy bike legs and the hot, unshaded pavement of the maritime marathon.
Aerobic Foundation
Build a robust aerobic base and comfortable swim endurance.
Strength & Aerobic Build
Develop rolling terrain bike strength and increase weekly running mileage.
Race-Specific Intensity
Sustain aerodynamic bike efforts, simulate wind resistance, and practice heat adaptation.
Taper & Strategy
Reduce training volume to shed fatigue while locking in pacing and nutrition plans.
Adapts to your fitness, schedule & recovery every week.
Personalize this timeline04·Race-Day Execution
With air temperatures averaging 24°C and a high risk of late-June heatwaves, thermal management is key. Douse yourself with cold water at every aid station on the run and wear a white, breathable race kit with a cap.
Coastal winds and high humidity accelerate dehydration. Target at least 80-100g of carbs and 750-1000ml of fluids per hour on the bike, utilizing the on-course Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1000 and Maurten gels.
Keep power capped on the rolling false flats during the first bike loop to save your legs for the wind-exposed second half. On the run, lock into a sustainable flat-ground rhythm early, resisting the urge to surge too fast.
A deep-section rear wheel is fast but choose a front wheel depth that you can handle in crosswinds. Arrive in Les Sables d'Olonne at least 3 days early via Nantes airport or direct TGV train to acclimatize.
This unique 3.8 km (2.4 mile) point-to-point swim starts with an ocean beach launch on the Grande Plage. You will navigate the bay before entering and swimming up the historic Vendée Globe channel to finish at Port Olona. Water temperatures average around 66°F (19°C), which typically makes the swim wetsuit-legal for age-group athletes.
The 180 km bike course is relatively rolling and fast, divided into two 90 km loops with approximately 1,130 meters of total elevation gain. While the high-quality asphalt roads are conducive to setting a personal record, you must prepare for a succession of leg-wearing false flats and heavy wind exposure along the coastal and marshland stretches.
Yes, the 42.2 km (26.2 mile) run course is exceptionally flat with less than 100 meters of total elevation change over its four loops. The entire route is paved, taking you along the coastal Remblai promenade, the Grande Plage, and Tanchet lake. Because there is virtually no shade, you should prepare for direct sun exposure and potential late-June heat.
The aid stations are stocked with Maurten Gels and Solid bars, Gatorade, Precision Fuel & Hydration (PH 1000) electrolyte drinks, water, and bananas. Due to the potential for high humidity, coastal winds, and warm average air temperatures of 75°F (24°C), you should establish a high-sodium, high-carbohydrate hydration strategy early on the bike.
The closest international airport is Nantes Atlantique (NTE), which is about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from the venue. Alternatively, you can fly into Paris (CDG) and take a high-speed TGV train directly to the Les Sables d'Olonne station. Since this is a premier French seaside resort town, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation near the Remblai many months in advance.
Your Personalized Plan
FE26 builds your plan around your Strava data, your real schedule, and the exact demands of IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee— then adapts every week to how you actually perform.
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