Lucy Charles-Barclay Stuns Fans with Decision to Defend IRONMAN World Championship Title in Nice
Lucy Charles-Barclay, the PTO World #3, has announced a surprising decision to defend her IRONMAN World Championship title in Nice. The British star had initially planned to participate in the T100 Triathlon World Tour in 2024, foregoing the opportunity to defend her title. However, in a turn of events revealed on the IRONMAN Insider podcast, Lucy shared her decision to compete in IRONMAN France on June 16, paving the way for her title defense in Nice on September 22.
Charles-Barclay expressed her excitement about racing in Nice, stating that it was a ‘no-brainer’ to validate her spot at the world championship in the picturesque setting of the Cote d’Azur. The reigning champion emphasized the importance of recceing the course through the upcoming race in France, which will also serve as a validation for the IRONMAN World Championship and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
The news comes as a surprise to many fans, as Lucy had initially set her sights on racing in Kona in 2025. However, a change of heart and a successful start to the season have put her in a position to defend her title in Nice. Charles-Barclay highlighted the personal growth and challenge that comes with stepping out of one’s comfort zone, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries as an athlete and as a person.
In addition to her IRONMAN World Championship campaign, Lucy Charles-Barclay also hinted at the possibility of participating in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo in December. While she expressed interest in the event, she mentioned that it coincides with her wedding anniversary, adding a layer of complexity to her race schedule.
As fans eagerly await Lucy Charles-Barclay’s upcoming races, her decision to defend her IRONMAN World Championship title in Nice has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on the British triathlon star’s journey to reclaiming the top spot in long-course racing.