IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee
The full distance at Les Sables d'Olonne starts in the channel the Vendée Globe skippers sail out of, which is a genuinely unusual 3.8 km swim: enclosed, deep, walled on both sides, with spectators looking down on you from the quay.
After that it is 180 km inland through the Vendée countryside and a 42.2 km marathon along the harbour and the Remblai, the seafront promenade, which is flat and lined with people for most of its length.
One thing to check before you enter. There is also a half-distance race at this venue a few days later, on 1 July, using a different swim and bike course. The two events share a town and a name and almost nothing else, so make sure the entry you hold matches the race you trained for.
Late June on the Atlantic coast is mild, with wind off the ocean a more likely factor than heat.
Who it's for
Built for experienced triathlon athletes.
Good fit if you…
- are experienced in triathlon and want a hard race
- want a well-known, high-status race
- want a choice of distances
Maybe not if you…
- are brand-new to triathlon: start with something shorter
What should you know about IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
- Date
- Sunday, 27 June 2027
- Format
- Full Distance / 140.6 · Half / 70.3
- Water temp
- 21°C · 70°F
Need to know
When is IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee 2027?
IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee takes place on Sunday, 27 June 2027. Dates can move year to year, so confirm the exact day on the official race page before you book travel.
How do you register for IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
Where does IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee take place?
Les Sables d'Olonne, France
When has IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee taken place before?
FAQs
What do athletes ask about IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
Where is IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee held?
IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee is held in IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee, France. The race page has the venue location and a map, and links straight through to the official site for the precise start area.
What distances can you race at IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee offers Full Distance / 140.6. The Full Distance / 140.6 is a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42.2 km run. Pick your distance and enter on the official site. Each format usually has its own start wave and cut-offs.
What's the water temperature at IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
The swim at IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee is around 21°C (70°F), based on the official average for the venue. Water temperature drives wetsuit rules, so check the organiser's current wetsuit policy before race day.
How do I enter IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
You enter IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee through the official organiser. Registration is handled on their site, and FindMyNextRace links you straight there. Places for popular editions can sell out early, so register as soon as entry opens.
Is IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee part of a race series?
Yes, IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee is part of the IRONMAN series. Series events often share a qualification, points, or championship pathway, so if you're chasing the series, check how this race fits its calendar.
How should I train for IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee?
Training for IRONMAN Les Sables d'Olonne-Vendee depends on your target distance and current fitness. Most athletes follow a structured block of 12–20 weeks for a Full Distance / 140.6 effort. Build a plan tailored to your race date and level with AI Training Plan (https://aitrainingplan.app).
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