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Are you looking for a new challenge? How about Ironman Barcelona in Calella? The Catalan competition has nothing to envy the other races in the international Ironman calendar! Between distances, course profile, time limits and results, here's all the information you'll need in anticipation of this unique day under the Spanish sun.
The Ironman Barcelona: where and when?
Spain is all about paella, tapas, lounging... and the Ironman Barcelona! Every October, since 2014, is held on the Mediterranean coastline a triathlon XXL under the iconic Ironman label, created by the World triathlon corporation (WTC).
The village of Calella has the honor of hosting this event that draws crowds. Located on the Costa Maresme, between Barcelona and the Costa Brava, it offers an idyllic setting for participants and spectators alike.
Sponsored by Athletic Brewing, the race belongs to the European tour series. Triple effort enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals alike, will be able to try to win one of the 40 qualifying spots for the mythical Ironman of Hawaii!
The race will be held at the same time as the European Tour
If the Ironman is not yet part of your goals, you can still swim, ride and run in Catalan land. Indeed, Calella is also the host city of Ironman 70.3 Barcelona: a triathlon more affordable than the "full Ironman" version. Usually held at the end of May, the event will exceptionally take place on the same day as Ironman Barcelona in 2021, namely October 3. At fault: a calendar disrupted by the pandemic.
A triathlon that unleashes passions
The Ironman Barcelona generates a lot of excitement within the triathlete community. It is one of the most popular end of season competitions! Perhaps the fantastic natural setting of the Maresme region has something to do with it, as well as the mild weather bordering on 25 degrees in early autumn.
For the 2021 edition, no less than 6,500 competitors are expected for both race formats!
The distances of the Ironman Barcelona
For Ironman Barcelona, as for any other triathlon, the events always take place in this order: swim, bike, run. In all, you'll set out to tackle 226 km, without stopping the clock between discipline changes.
This long-distance triathlon is broken down as follows:
- 3.8 km to swim;
- 180 km to pedal;
- 42.195 km to run, i.e. a marathon.
Note that to become a true "Iron Man" or "Iron Woman", you will have to finish the course in a time limit of 15 h 40 min.
Ready to take on the challenge? Zoom in on the profile of each event.
The swimming event
The start is given on the beach in Calella. Athletes dive into the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and complete a single loop marked by buoys. A circuit that appeals to triathletes, since the Ironman Barcelona is in 6th place in the world ranking "swimming experience" conducted as a result of the "Ironman athletes' choice awards" survey.
At this time, the water temperature is around 22 degrees. While wetsuits are therefore generally prohibited for professionals, amateur athletes are free to put them on or not (wetsuits allowed below 24.5 degrees inclusive).
The barrier time to get out of the water is 2 hr 20 min.
The cycling event
On the bike course, aerodynamics are the order of the day!
Reputed to be extremely fast and flat, the course barely gives competitors time to admire the grandiose coastline of the Costa del Maresme. It consists of two loops and extends from Calella to Montgat. On the route, three refreshments allow to refuel.
The time barrier to redeposit your mount in the bike park at the end of the cycling event is 9 h 10 min after the start of the triathlon.
The running event
The run portion of Ironman Barcelona will call on your mental strength above all else!
The demanding marathon runs along the seaside and the beautiful golden beach of Pineda de Marsur. The three loops drawn from Calella to Santa Susanna are dotted with spectators cheering on the participants. A precious boost of motivation before crossing the finish line on the Catalan sand.
A magical moment!
The Ironman Barcelona prize list
Among the men, the German Florian Angert holds the record on the course with a time of 7 h 45 min 5 s A superb performance achieved in 2019.
Also in 2019, Swedish triathlete Sara Svensk takes the new record by completing the Ironman Barcelona in 8 h 34 min 10 s.
The Ironman Barcelona has no secrets for you anymore! How about learning more about other Ironmans such as the Frankfurt Ironman or the legendary Hawaii Ironman?
