This Sunday, April 19, Valencia once again becomes the epicenter of world triathlon with the celebration of the Ironman 70.3, one of the most demanding events on the international calendar.
Nearly 3,000 athletes will participate in a circuit that crosses some of the most emblematic points of the city, which implies a significant logistical deployment and numerous traffic restrictions from early in the morning.
The complete route of Ironman Valencia 2026
The test is divided into three large segments that combine sea, road, and urban circuit:
- Swimming (1.9 km): start at Malvarrosa beach, in the Mediterranean Sea
- Cycling (90 km): route from the maritime area towards the Sierra Calderona and return to Valencia
- Running (21.1 km): urban circuit along the Paseo de la Alameda and the Turia Garden
The final stretch includes two laps in the surroundings of the City of Arts and Sciences, where the finish line is located.
Key Race Times
The Ironman will kick off first thing in the morning and will take place for a good part of the day:
- 7:15 AM: start of swimming
- 7:35 AM: start of the cycling segment
- 9:15 AM: arrival of the first cyclists in Valencia
- 10:25 AM: start of the foot race
From that moment on, the activity will be concentrated in the environment of the old Turia riverbed.
Traffic disruptions: the most affected areas
The impact on mobility will be significant, especially on the waterfront and the main access roads to the city.
- Maritime zone (Malvarrosa and surroundings)
- From 7:15 AM to approximately 2:10 PM, there will be road closures on streets such as:
- Ingeniero Fausto Elío
- Mendizábal
- Maritime promenade surroundings
- Bike start and route
- The cycling segment will cause restrictions between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM on the exit towards the V-21 and Sierra Calderona.
On the return to Valencia, the cuts will be extended until 2:30 PM on key routes such as:
- CV-30
- Maestro Rodrigo
- Pío Baroja
- Avenida 9 d’Octubre
- Bulevar Sur
- Paseo de la Alameda
How to enter and leave Valencia during the test
During the Ironman, access options will be limited. The main routes enabled will be:
- Avenida del Cid (underpass)
- Ausiàs March – Pista de Silla
- El Saler Motorway (V-15)
- These routes will concentrate a large part of the traffic during the day.
Public transport: affected lines
The event will also impact public transport:
- Tram: partial interruption between the stops of Ciudad de las Artes and Oceanogràfic between 9:00 and 14:15 hours
- EMT Valencia: up to 25 lines will suffer diversions or modifications
It is recommended to consult real-time changes to avoid incidents.
One of the toughest tests on the calendar
The Ironman 70.3 is not just a sporting event, but one of the most demanding competitions in the world of triathlon.
The combination of swimming, cycling, and running makes this event a high-level physical challenge, which attracts thousands of athletes each year and generates a significant impact on the city.
The impact on the city: sport and mobility
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Ironman implies a temporary transformation of Valencia:
- Changes in circulation during key hours
- Restrictions in entire neighborhoods
- Increase in visitors and activity in strategic areas
Therefore, planning travel will be key to avoiding delays or complications.