A participant in an Ironman (a variant of the triathlon) died on Sunday during the event. The drama took place on the Ironman of Aix-en-Provence, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, during the first event, swimming.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a participant during the swimming part of Ironman 70.3 Aix-en-Provence”, communicated Ironman France. “We share our deepest sympathy with the athlete’s family and friends and will continue to offer them our support during this very difficult time.”
This race is in fact a half-Ironman, but remains a triathlon “of a particularly high requirement”, notes “Le Parisien”. It involves swimming 1.9 km, cycling 90 km and then running a half-marathon, i.e. 21.1 km.
The deceased participant was an amateur, who died during the swimming part, which took place in the Lac de Peyrolles. Rescuers were unable to resuscitate him. His age was not specified.
