Italy to host its first Ironman
Italy’s first full-distance Ironman triathlon is to take place on September 23 2017 in Cervia, a seaside town in the Italian province of Emilia-Romagna, Ironman have announced.
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Ironman Italy Emilia Romagna will be Italy’s second Ironman event with the country previously hosting the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Pescara, located 300 km south of Cervia.
“We are thrilled to be adding a second event in Italy which will contribute to the further growth of our European series,” said Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Managing Director of Ironmnan Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Last year more than 3,000 Italian athletes raced in our European races. Bringing a full-distance Ironman race to Italy is something we have been working towards for quite some time – it is a great way to provide more opportunities and thank our loyal Italian athletes.”
The race, which will begin on the beach in Cervia, starts with a 3.*8 km loop swim. Athletes will then begin the two-loop bike course on the promenade of Cervia before taking in the hills of Romagna, the park of Salt Pans – where athletes and spectators may see pink flamingos – and the vineyards of famous Sangiovese. The total elevation gain of the bike is about 700 m.
The marathon leg is a flat three-loop course through the main streets of the nearby Milano Marittima. Athletes then enter the heart of Cervia and cross the square of the historic and iconic “salt warehouse” before reaching the finish line on the beach promenade.
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