Jelle Geens aims for history
Jelle Geens is one step closer to making triathlon history. The defending champion has confirmed his presence at the 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Nice, where he will attempt to win his third straight title. That would make him the first man to achieve the feat. Geens has already claimed titles in Taupō 2024 and Marbella 2025. Now, he's aiming to cement his place as the sport's middle-distance king.
Geens’ journey this year has not been smooth. A DNF in Texas and an injury that kept him from competing in Lake Placid have left fans wondering if he can return to form. But his return to the 70.3 distance shows confidence. His presence alone raises the stakes. With 72 professionals entered, the men’s field is stacked, but Geens remains the focal point. After a challenging year over the full Ironman distance, his return to the middle-distance scene is a statement of intent.
Past champions and fresh faces
The start list features three other past champions: Rico Bogen, Kristian Blummenfelt, and Gustav Iden. Each comes with their own ambitions. Bogen will try to reclaim his 2023 title, Blummenfelt will aim to reestablish dominance, and Iden will look to add to his two titles. All three have a strong history on the 70.3 circuit and are expected to make a serious impact in Nice. Their presence means the competition will be fierce, with each vying for the top spot and the valuable 3,000 Pro Series points on offer.
Alongside the former champions, Marten Van Riel and Casper Stornes are expected to be major challengers. Van Riel, who won the 2024 T100 World Championship, is a rising star on the 70.3 scene. Stornes, as the reigning Ironman World Champion, has shown he can transition between distances with success. Hayden Wilde, a former T100 world champion, is also in the mix. He missed last year's 70.3 event, but his return brings intrigue. For Canadian fans, Lionel Sanders is a highlight. After a season interrupted by injury, he will compete at the 70.3 World Championships following a race in Northern California. Blake Harris and Zachary Bernier-Michaud will also make their World Championship debuts, adding a new dynamic to the field.
Women’s race stacked with talent
The women’s race is just as compelling. Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb headline the field. Charles-Barclay has already won two World Championships, in Marbella 2025 and St. George 2021. Knibb, with three 70.3 titles, adds to the intensity. Other strong contenders include Solveig Løvseth, Laura Philipp, and Kat Matthews. Each brings a unique set of skills and experience. Løvseth, as the reigning Ironman World Champion, has proven she can handle long-distance races. Philipp, who won the 2024 Ironman World Championship, has the endurance to compete at the highest level. Matthews, as the defending Pro Series champion, is looking to continue her dominance.
Canada’s contingent includes Paula Findlay, Tamara Jewett, and Amélie Kretz, who makes her World Championship debut. Findlay brings experience and a strong record on the 70.3 circuit. Jewett is known for her consistency, while Kretz is stepping into the spotlight for the first time on this stage. Their performances could shape the race and provide excitement for fans around the world. The women’s race will take place on Saturday, September 12th. The men’s race follows on Sunday. Both events will be broadcast live on the Ironman YouTube channel and ironman.com/proseries.
Notable names missing include Georgia Taylor-Brown, who finished fourth in 2025, and Grace Thek, who is focused on the Kona World Championships. Thek, already with scores from five races, has no intention of splitting focus. Sam Laidlow also will not compete in Nice, choosing instead to race Challenge Samarkand as his final tune-up. As he explained, the course and conditions in Samarkand are ideal for his final preparation before Kona. Ben Kanute, currently sitting sixth in the Pro Series standings, and 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championship runner-up Harry Palmer are also absent from the event. The absence of these athletes does not diminish the strength of the field, but it adds a different layer to the competition.
