The full Vichy bike route has a demanding second half
The organizer clearly labels its downloadable maps as 2026 and says the 2027 versions will follow. The full IRONMAN and 70.3 share a destination and announced day, but their distance-specific maps and cutoff schedules must be read separately. Do not use the 70.3 bike profile as the complete preparation guide for the 180 km race.
The previous full course climbs to La Guillermie before descending through the Sichon valley, then continues toward Lapalisse and Châtel-Montagne. The organizer highlights tougher rolling terrain and less shade between roughly kilometres 124 and 132. Build a pacing plan that preserves capacity for that later work rather than treating the first major descent as the end of the climbing.
The source also flags slippery opening kilometres beside the lake, narrowing chicanes and technical approaches around villages. Practise controlled handling on appropriate training roads and choose gearing suited to sustained climbs. The precise 2027 route may change, so check whether these sections remain before finalising a course-specific plan.
The 2026 information lists a 2:20 swim limit, 10:30 through the bike and 16 hours overall, together with intermediate bike and run deadlines. Treat those as historical context until the 2027 rules are published. Include transitions and stops when assessing a realistic schedule, and rehearse nutrition for the hilly bike before the four-lap marathon.
Confirmed race date
IRONMAN Vichy: August 22, 2027. Verified on October 14, 2026 against the official event information.
Current race profile
The organizer remains authoritative if the course, distance program, venue, registration or schedule changes. Historical conditions are not a forecast; use current organizer advisories and the race-week forecast.
Training calendar anchors
These dates are calendar arithmetic, not proof that a plan length is appropriate.
Use the training start-date calculator for another runway and compare the IRONMAN training hub. Do not compress missed weeks to force the calendar.