Cannes International Triathlon: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The Triathlon M at the Cannes International Triathlon combines a short sea swim in front of the Palm Beach, a bike loop with one real climb inland and a flat run along the Croisette. The race happens right in the middle of Cannes, with the village on Square Verdun at its centre.
Course & Elevation
The swim is one 1,000-metre loop in the bay at Bijou Plage: in from the western cove, out through the eastern one, then up ten steps and into transition. The 47 kilometre bike course is flat apart from one climb between kilometres 19 and 24, heading out along the coast and back.
The closing run is one 3.2 and one 6.6 kilometre loop by the sea. All three disciplines play out within sight of the water, and transition, finish and race village sit close together on the Croisette. The race is part of a three-day weekend with an expo, and on Sunday the women and relays start ahead of the men.
Pacing Strategy
The race is decided on the bike, specifically on the climb from kilometre 19. Swim under control, use the stairs up to transition to settle your heart rate for a moment, and ride the flat opening kilometres below threshold.
The biggest mistake is overcooking the climb and then fading on the flat Croisette run. Ride the climb evenly, use the descent to eat and drink, start the run calmly, and you can still pick it up on the long second loop.
Training plan for Cannes International Triathlon: 12-week build
For most age-group athletes the race takes between two and a half and just over three hours. The effort is mostly aerobic and steady, with one clearly bounded climbing block on the bike.
In swim training, open-water practice in the sea pays off: sighting on buoys, waves, and an exit followed by a run up stairs. On the bike, combine flat aero intervals with hill efforts of eight to fifteen minutes.
The run is flat and fast, so regular brick sessions with race-pace running off the bike are the most important building block.
In late April the sea on the Côte d'Azur is still cool, and wind can pick up along the coast. Swim in cool water in training too and practise riding in crosswinds.
Bike course
47 km · +456mCourse Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Climbs on Route
| Start (km) | Length | Ø Gradient | Max Gradient | Elev Gain | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM 9.2 | 0.6 km | 4.9% | 8.9% | +30m | — |
| KM 15.9 | 0.6 km | 3.4% | 5.2% | +21m | — |
| KM 19.2 | 3.4 km | 6.3% | 13.8% | +214m | Cat. 3 |
| KM 23.3 | 0.6 km | 4.5% | 6.2% | +28m | — |
| KM 35.1 | 0.8 km | 5.1% | 10.3% | +38m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
Course as GPX
Download the Triathlon M — Bike course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Run course
9.8 km · +53mCourse Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Course as GPX
Download the Triathlon M — Run course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Adaptive race preparation
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Cannes International Triathlon dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Cannes International Triathlon?
Cannes International Triathlon is 57.8 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Cannes International Triathlon have?
Cannes International Triathlon has around 509 m of elevation gain over 57.8 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the profile of the bike course at Cannes International Triathlon?
The bike course at Cannes International Triathlon is classified as Rolling, averaging 9.8 vertical metres per kilometre. 58% of the route is flat, 19% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 3% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does the bike course at Cannes International Triathlon have?
The hardest climb on the bike course at Cannes International Triathlon starts at kilometre 19.2, runs for 3.4 km at an average of 6.3% and gains 214 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 5 climbs are mapped in total.
Is there a GPX file for the Cannes International Triathlon course?
Yes. Each leg of Cannes International Triathlon is on this page as its own free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Cannes International Triathlon?
Preparation for Cannes International Triathlon should account for 57.8 km, 509 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Cannes International Triathlon?
The pacing strategy for Cannes International Triathlon should reflect 57.8 km, 509 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Cannes International Triathlon take place?
Cannes International Triathlon takes place on April 25, 2027.
Where does Cannes International Triathlon take place?
Cannes International Triathlon takes place in Cannes, France.
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