This past weekend, the Ironman World Championship 2025 in Nice, France delivered one of the most challenging and breathtaking races in Ironman history. Athletes from across the globe gathered on the French Riviera to test their endurance, discipline, and resilience on a course that was as stunning as it was unforgiving.

For me, this race carried special meaning—it marked my 39th Ironman finish. After nearly two decades of racing, each Ironman teaches new lessons. This one, though, stood out as one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my career.

The Swim: Finding Calm in the Chaos

The 2.4-mile swim set the tone for the day. With water temperatures above the legal wetsuit threshold, it was non-wetsuit. Many athletes wore swimskins, but I hadn’t brought one—I lined up in just my bathing suit.

The start was organized in waves by age group. As we stood waist-deep, waiting for the horn, I could feel the nervous energy. The opening meters of any Ironman swim can feel like a washing machine of arms and legs, but instead of rushing in, I paused.

I studied the swimmers, then made a tactical choice: I went far left of the buoys, away from the chaos, so I could cut in sharply to the line. It gave me clean water, smooth strokes, and steady breathing. When I merged back into the pack, I hadn’t lost ground, and I had saved energy for the long day ahead.

The Mediterranean was stunning—crystal clear, with the city of Nice rising in the background. Without the buoyancy of a wetsuit, it was pure swimming, and my body felt efficient and strong. I exited the water happy with my time, confident I had set myself up for the brutal Alps that awaited.

The Bike: A Tour de France Test

The 112-mile bike course in Nice is already legendary. With over 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) of climbing, it demands strength, skill, and patience.

From the very first climb, we were thrown into the Alpes-Maritimes. The gradients kicked up quickly, twisting into endless switchbacks.

The Climbs

Some climbs lasted 30–40 minutes at steady 5–8% grades. The signature ascent of the Col de l’Ecre felt never-ending, but the payoff was spectacular—panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and the villages tucked into the mountainside.

The Descents

If the climbs punished your legs, the descents tested your courage. Tight hairpins, steep drops, and sheer cliffs demanded precision and focus. It felt less like an Ironman course and more like a Tour de France mountain stage.

The Views

What made the suffering bearable were the views—rolling valleys, charming villages, and the deep blue of the Riviera stretching out below. It was breathtaking, humbling, and unforgettable.

But the ride wasn’t smooth for me. Mechanical issues forced me to stop nearly ten times. Each time, frustration threatened to take over. But this is the essence of Ironman: it’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence. Each restart was a reminder to keep fighting.

The Run: Discovering My Why

The 26.2-mile marathon along the Promenade des Anglais was brutally hard. The first lap felt like hitting a wall—my legs were heavy, the heat relentless. But the crowd was electric, lining the course, cheering in every language, lifting us forward.

Run Special Needs & The Croissant

At special needs, available every lap, I had tucked away a small joy—an almond croissant. Aid stations had everything: gummy bears, cola, crackers, Maurten gels, Precision Nutrition, even French-style Ritz crackers. But what I craved was my croissant. Each lap, I took a bite. It became my comfort, my secret weapon.

Settling In

After the first lap, I found my rhythm. By mile 13, I felt stronger. On the turnaround, I saw my friend Michael. He was holding strong, pushing forward. Crossing paths with him made me proud of the steady consistency we carried together.

Digging Into the Why

Every Ironman tests more than your body—it tests your spirit. Every athlete has a “why.” My “why” has always been to show my athletes that you finish what you start, no matter the obstacles.

But in Nice, something shifted. Normally, my thoughts go to my parents. This time, my heart went to my partner, Brooks. We’re getting married next year. As I ran, I thought of the life we’re building—the memories we’ll create, the places we’ll travel, the family we’ll grow together. That love gave me strength beyond the pain.

The Pain Cave

I dropped my head and went into the pain cave. People told me to look up, but I needed to go inward. That’s where Ironman magic happens.

Seeing my friend Susan on the course gave me joy that words can’t capture. In the final three miles, I found another gear. I pushed harder, emptying the tank.

The Finish Line

Then came the red carpet. The roar of the crowd. The lights. The sound of my name:

“The legend, Hector Torres, you are an Ironman.” – Paul Kaye

Being medaled by Casper Stornes, a champion of the sport, made the finish unforgettable.

Only about 1% of the world’s population has heard those words at the end of 140.6 miles. I tell my athletes: when you reach that carpet, pause. Embrace it. Remember who you became that day.

For my WITS athletes (Warriors in Training—my neurodiverse athletes), I carry our mantra into every finish line:

“I will. I can. I must.”

Because when your will becomes belief, and belief becomes action, anything is possible.

Will I do it again? Of course I will.

Ironman #39: Lessons in Resilience

Ironman #39 wasn’t just a number. It was a statement of endurance, love, and resilience.

• Adaptability wins. No wetsuit? No problem. Mechanical issues? Fix them. A croissant for fuel? Enjoy it.

• Your why matters. It’s what pulls you through when everything hurts.

• Resilience wins. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about refusing to quit.

Looking Ahead

As both an athlete and a coach, I’m proud of the people who shared this journey with me—athletes, friends, and especially my best friend Michael Melton, who inspires me every time we race together.

Ironman #39 reminded me that every finish line is earned. With Ironman Cozumel and future challenges ahead, I’m more motivated than ever to keep racing, coaching, and helping others discover what’s possible.

👉 Work with Coach Hector Torres: www.tripeakathlete.com