Ironman training camp in Les Sables d'Olonne: course preparation and reconnaissance
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVendée / Les Sables-d'Olonne
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions20.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
An Ironman is months of preparation that hinges on the details. This training camp in Les Sables d'Olonne is designed to fine-tune them: familiarize yourself with the course, test your sensations on the real terrain, and eliminate your weaknesses before race day.
For three days, you 'll familiarize yourself with the Ironman des Sables bike and run courses , complete swimming sessions in the pool , and review everything that matters in long-distance triathlon: pace, nutrition, and transitions. Refreshments are provided during the sessions.
At the helm: Charline Simon , coach of Les Bornées, in a very small group ( 10 places ). The training camp is aimed at intermediate to advanced triathletes preparing for the Ironman des Sables or another early summer Ironman.
The highlights
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Scouting the bike and run routes for the Ironman des Sables
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Led by Charline Simon, in a very small group of 10
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Swimming, pace, nutrition, transitions: everything for race day
Photos
Sport
Level
Triathlon
The expert's opinion
“I know Les Sables like the back of my hand: the flat, windy roads of the Vendée region, the race along the seafront, the wind that changes everything. In three days, we work on the actual course, focusing on what makes the difference in long-distance races: the transitions, nutrition, and effort management. We progress together, and I take the time to correct each individual. You leave knowing exactly what to do on race day, from the starting line to the finish line.”
In figures
Swimming
- Average duration/day: 1h30
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 80 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 275 m
- Average daily descent: 275 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 50 m
- Average daily descent: 50 m
Triathlon
- Average duration/day: 2h
Management
Charline, a triathlon coach and experienced long-distance athlete, will guide you through all your training sessions: swimming, cycling, and running. She knows the Ironman des Sables course and will tailor the program to your specific goals.
Program
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Saturday: swimming in the pool and familiarization with the cycling route
- Activity Swimming
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 90 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at 9am at the Sables-d'Olonne swimming pool. We'll start with a supervised swimming session to work on technique and gain confidence before the main swim.
In the afternoon, we go to reconnoiter the Ironman bike course: the key points, the pitfalls, the right pace. On race day, nothing will surprise you.
Day 1 -
Sunday: reconnaissance run and bike ride
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 70 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we scout the running route to familiarize ourselves with the terrain and learn to manage our effort where it counts, at the end of the race.
In the afternoon, a bike ride at Ironman pace with a short running sequence to work on transitions.
Day 2 -
Monday: swimming, pace, nutrition and transitions
- Activity Swimming
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Activity Triathlon
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last swimming session in the pool in the morning to sharpen technique.
Next, it's time for the details that make the race: pace management, nutrition strategy, and quick, clean transitions. You'll leave with a clear plan for race day.
The internship ends at 4pm.
Day 3
Note
The order of sessions may be adjusted depending on the weather and the group's level. Distances and durations are approximate. Meals are not included: please bring your own food and drinks in addition to those provided during the sessions.
Accommodation
Comfortable 3* hotel located 20 minutes by bus (line D) from the meeting point of the stay.
Magnificent 4* hotel located 35 minutes (by bus and walk) from the meeting point of the stay.
Access
Meet on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Aqualonne aquatic center in Les Sables-d'Olonne for the first swimming session. The course ends on Monday around 4 p.m. at the same location. Bring your road or triathlon bike, wetsuit, and swimming and running gear.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by Charline Simon for the three days
- Identifying cycling and running routes
- Swimming sessions in the pool
- Refreshments during the sessions
- Long-distance tips: pace, nutrition, transitions
- A WhatsApp group to prepare for the internship
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
The price does not include
- All meals
- Transport to Les Sables-d'Olonne
- Equipment: bicycle, wetsuit, swimming and running gear
- The license and the race number
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
- The tourist tax
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
- Meals according to the chosen package
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Refreshments during the sessions
Equipment to bring
- Road or triathlon bike serviced, helmet required
- Repair kit and inner tubes
- Swimming suit if you have one
- Running shoes
- Water bottles and personal nutrition (gels, bars)
Clothing to bring
- Cycling kit (shorts, jersey, windbreaker)
- Running outfit
- Swimsuit, swim cap and goggles
- Warm and rainy clothes for evenings and cool days
The Maude team
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