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IRONMAN Vichy: stay in Gannat, about twenty minutes from the race

Published 4 February 2022

IRONMAN Vichy is held every year at the end of August around the Lac d'Allier; the 2026 edition took place on Sunday 23 August. The 2027 date has not yet been published, but the event is again expected at the end of August. Gannat, about twenty minutes away via the A719, is a practical base for athletes and their supporters when Vichy is fully booked.

The event in brief

The race weekend brings together several thousand triathletes from all over Europe. Two formats have been offered in recent years:

• IRONMAN 70.3: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run.
• IRONMAN (full distance): 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike and 42.2 km run.

The swim takes place in the Lac d'Allier, the bike leg heads out into the Bourbonnais countryside and the run follows the riverbanks, finishing in town. The formats, exact date and registration opening for 2027 are to be confirmed on the official IRONMAN website.

Why stay in Gannat

During race weekend, Vichy and Bellerive are in very high demand: hotels are full, rentals are booked months in advance and traffic is closed on part of the course. Gannat has several advantages:

• Proximity: about twenty minutes' drive to Vichy via the A719.
• Peace and quiet: a restful night before the start, away from the bustle of the race village.
• Space: whole houses where you can store bikes, transition bags and kit, with a garden or courtyard depending on the property.
• Equipped kitchen: useful for keeping to your usual diet in the days before the race.

Organising race days

A few tips so that logistics do not weigh on your performance:

1. Arrive early: race number collection and bike check-in take place in the days before the race, according to a schedule published by the organisers. Allow at least one night before these formalities.
2. Check the route: do the Gannat to Vichy round trip the day before, at the time you will leave in the morning, and find a car park you can reach despite the road closures.
3. Think of your supporters: while the athlete rests, they can visit Gannat or go for a walk in the Val de Sioule. Our weekend in Gannat programme offers ideas.
4. Plan your recovery: staying an extra night after the race saves you driving home tired.

After the race

The following days are ideal for gentle recovery: a stroll in Charroux, a swim at the Gour de Tazenat or an easy bike ride along the quiet roads of the Val de Sioule. For swimming and the other lakes in the area, see our article on the lakes within reach of Gannat.

Book early

As soon as the date is announced, accommodation near Vichy goes quickly. Our houses in Gannat sleep up to ten people, ideal for a club or several athletes sharing costs: see the houses and apartments in Gannat and the group stays page for sports teams. All properties can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.