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Ironman 70.3 circuit Europe: Valencia/ES on 19 April 2026

Why the Ironman 70.3 is the Ultimate Race-cation

If you’re a fan of stunning locations and superhuman grit, there is no better sporting calendar to follow than the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit.

This isn’t just a race; it’s a global phenomenon that turns the world’s most beautiful destinations, from the Spanish coast to the Swedish lakes, into epic battlegrounds. That sounds like a piece of us here at TA-DAH.TV.

For spectators, the format is pure gold too! It’s fast enough to keep the energy electric but long enough to see the sheer power of human endurance unfold. Plus, there’s the added bonus that, as a fan, you’re not actually running, cycling or swimming around some of the toughest triathlon courses in the world.

Let’s dive into what makes the 70.3 distance a global hit and where you can catch all of the action happening across Europe!

What is IRONMAN 70.3?

You may (or may not) have guessed that the clue for the event’s title is right there in the name (70.3). That’s the total number of miles athletes cover across three disciplines:

  • 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Swim: A splash-and-dash start, often in crystal-clear open water.
  • 56-mile (90 km) Bike: Where the real course profile shines—think coastal highways, rolling hills, or mountain passes.
  • 13.1-mile (21.1 km) Run: The grand finale, a half-marathon often through packed city centers and cheering crowds.

This distance is notoriously demanding, requiring speed and endurance in equal measure. For fans, it’s perfect! The day starts early, the action is non-stop, and you’re free to hit the local restaurants and beaches by mid-afternoon!

We’re getting tired just writing about it!

Ironman Bike

What IRONMAN 70.3 2026 European Races Are There?

The 70.3 series is full throttle and all-action, but it also offers the perfect excuse to explore some of Europe’s most incredible destinations. From the sunny Mediterranean to the historic north, here are some of the must-see races on the European Spring and Summer calendar:

  • 17 May 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Aix-en-Provence, France
  • 31 May 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Kraichgau powered by Kraichgau Energie, Germany
  • 7 June 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton, United Kingdom
  • 7 June 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Switzerland, Switzerland
  • 21 June 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Elsinore, Denmark
  • 28 June 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Nice, France
  • 5 July 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Jönköping, Sweden
  • 5 July 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Les Sables d’Olonne – Vendée, France
  • 12 July 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, United Kingdom
  • 30 August 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria
  • 11–12 September 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship – Nice, France

Races with General Timeframes

These races were confirmed but with a general date:

  • Early Spring 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia, Spain
  • Early Spring 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Venice-Jesolo, Italy
  • Early Spring 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Alcúdia-Mallorca, Spain
  • End of August 2026: IRONMAN 70.3 Vichy, France
  • To be announced: IRONMAN 70.3 Westfriesland, Netherlands

Top Triathlon Talent Tearing Through Europe

The World Championship title is the holy grail of this distance, and the fact that its location rotates each year globally (unlike the full IRONMAN in Kona) makes it one of the most exciting races to follow and the most challenging to try and win. But, believe it or not, there have been those superhumans who’ve tasted success on multiple occasions.

Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf is a legend of the format, having won the World Championship title an incredible five times (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019). Seriously impressive!

More recently, American star Taylor Knibb has dominated. After becoming the youngest pro female to win the event back in 2022 (aged 24). She went on to post three consecutive World Championship titles (2022, 2023, 2024).

Our Top Tips for Maximising Your European Triathlon Trip

The true appeal of the IRONMAN 70.3 series is that it offers the perfect excuse for an unforgettable “race-cation.”

If you’re travelling to support an athlete, or just want to soak up the international atmosphere, here’s how we suggest making the most of it:

1. Marbella Post-Race Luxury: After the finish line, dive into the glamour of Marbella. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) or keep the party going at Opium Beach Club. If you want to keep your pulse raised, you could always travel an hour north and walk in the sandal-steps of our Jane Blonde 007 and take on the hair-raising Caminito del Rey in Malaga.
2. Cultural Immersion: Use your race destination as a launchpad for local exploration. In Venice-Jesolo (Italy), take a short hop to the canals of Venice. From Aix-en-Provence (France), why not explore the world-renowned wine regions? Wine buffs could even road trip over to Bordeaux and La Cité du Vin!
3. Witnessing History: Catch the fast action at IRONMAN 70.3 Jönköping and then extend your trip to explore the incredible Nordic landscapes. Every race offers a unique cultural backdrop as thrilling as the competition itself.

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Breitling & The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship

If you need further confirmation of this event’s global notoriety, look no further than its list of sponsors. It counts luxury watchmaker Breitling as one of its biggest supporters. The high-end brand has even unveiled a dedicated timepiece specially for the championship.

The Breitling Endurance Pro 44 IRONMAN® 70.3 World Championship 2025 is engineered for performance, crafted from Breitling’s ultra-lightweight Breitlight® material, making it ideal for athletes pushing the limits. The stunning timepiece also features distinctive Marbella styling.

Ready to Hit the Start Line… or the Tapas Bar?

Whether you’re training for the grueling climb to Ojén or just booking your sun lounger in Puerto Banús, the European IRONMAN 70.3 season promises non-stop action, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled travel opportunities.

The hype around Ironman Marbella is real – don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making!

To fuel your adventurous spirit, make sure to explore more content like this on our Sports Channel. And for all our latest videos, don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

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Experience the XIII European Polo Championship in Spain

It’s been a minute since we dropped our experience at the XIII European Polo Championship in Sotogrande, Spain. 

So, we thought we’d catch you up with all the goings on in Andalucia. 

As you’d expect from a TA-DAH.TV sports experience, we captured exclusive interviews, big news and even took some time to bring you a little more info about this staggeringly beautiful locale. 

What Happened at the XIII European Polo Championship?

The XIII European Polo Championship delivered all the drama you’d expect under the Spanish sunshine. 

Some of the best players and ponies from these leading polo nations took to the gleaming grass of Sotogrande – nicknamed the “Wimbledon of Polo Pitches”: 

  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Spain
  • Switzerland

After Austria and Italy triumphed over Spain and the Netherlands respectively in the sem-finals at the Ayala Polo Club, it was over to the Santa Maria Polo Club for the finals. 

But who would take the spoils?

Who Won the XIII European Polo Championship?

Italy went on to win the tournament after a tightly contested final against the Austrians. Stefano Giansanti’s side took the final 6-5.

Elsewhere, in a tense 3rd place final, Spain took bronze by beating the Netherlands 10-4. 

This victory kickstarted a three-year cycle of success which saw the Spanish scoop gold in both the XII FIP World Championship in 2022 and the 2023 installment of the European Championships in Dusseldorf. 

Stunning Sotogrande

It may be home to the Wimbledon of Polo, but there’s more to Sotogrande than horses and sports. 

Located in Southern Andalucia, around thirty minutes from Marbella, Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residential development in the area. 

Inside its gated communities, you’ll find a world of manicured spaces, boutique stores, high-end restaurants and modern wine bars. 

Plus, there’s also a gorgeous marina to meander around as well as an opulent country club called La Reserva Club – ideal if it’s additional luxury you seek. 

Love to hear more info about amazing spaces like Sotogrande? Then you should check out our Travel Channel!

More World Polo in 2026

Back to polo though, and the eyes of the world will fall onto the glittering shores of Dubai in 2026. 

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2023 by Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the UAE Polo Federation, and René Beil, Managing Partner of La Martina Polo World. This agreement installed the playgrounds of Ghantoot, Al Habtoor, Desert Palm, and Dubai Polo Clubs as the host venues for the 2026 international tournament. 

So, we’ll have to wait until 2026 to see if the Spanish can continue their good form. Or will the great Adolfo Cambiaso add another championship to his glittering collection with his Argentina side?

Claudia Peifer interviews world no.1 polo player Adolfo Cambiaso for TA-DAH.TV

Spanish Polo Glossary – Key Words For Beginners

Polo is often described as rugby on horseback – this is your quick-fix almanac of polo lingo in Spanish!

CANCHA: the polo field, where the game takes place, larger than three football pitches in size

BOCHA: the ball used for playing, usually white but orange if played on snow, made either of wood or plastic

CAMPANA: the bell, signifying the end of a chukker

CHUKKER: is the term to describe a period of play in polo, lasting 7 minutes; a game usually consists of 5 chukkers, 6 chukkers for high-goal matches

TIEMPO MUERTO: break between chukkers, lasting 3 minutes

ÁRBITRO: the referee and match official, of which there are two: one for each of the teams; they are on horseback too, dressed in black/white striped shirts

BANDERILLAS: assistants, who will confirm by waving flags, whether a goal is valid or not

PENAL: penalty, given for a foul

MIMBRES: the goal posts, defining the width of the goal; made of soft plastic in order to avoid injury to horse and rider in the event of a collision with others

PALENQUE: side, where a teams sets up their base in the corner of the field and where horses are housed during the game

PATRON: the owner of the polo team (four players in total), wearing shirt No. 1

TACO: polo stick, consisting of a shaft made of bamboo for flexibility and a rigid head, made of wood

PETISERO: he’s the rough-rider & caretaker of the horse, preparing and warming up the horse outside the field, getting it ready for play

GRADAS: the benches where the public sits to enjoy the game

Check Out Our Sports Channel Now for More Exclusive Polo News

Want to stay up-to-date with all the latest polo news? Then sign up for our free newsletter today and get it all direct to your inbox. 

Alternatively, head to our Sports Channel now where you can find our interview with some of the best polo players in the world including the barnstorming Brit Malcolm Borwick to rising female favourite Clara Cassino.

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Summer at Starlite Festival Marbella – one of the best boutique festivals in Europe

We remember when Starlite started out many years ago, as this new concept of a music festival up in the mountains at a venue most people only knew from the 70s – so not us then! We were blown away by the location of the Auditorio de Nagüeles, this old quarry, that’s been brought back to life with a huge refurb programme. As any young festival, it struggled to get real superstars to come down in the beginning, starting off with mainly Spanish acts.

Today, Starlite Festival has made its mark good and proper, not just as a musical but also a cultural reference point on the European map of summer festivals! They have grown so much by now, that holidaymakers and regular visitors to the Costa del Sol know, they’ll have a fabulous time when they come to Marbella, as world-class artists and entertainers now flock down to ‘sunny Marbs’ to perform at a boutique festival, that feels more like a giant party than a huge gig.

All three acts featured in this Starlite cover are well-known regulars, as people just love to see them performing live. The mix and variety across the music genres amongst those global superstars, including many great Latino acts, who might make this their only performance in Europe, is hard to match and very impressive indeed! Not many festivals can offer such a varied programme, that is highly entertaining from classical acts like Placido Domingo to Sara Baras (internationally renowned flamenco dancer) to Nicky Jam, Enrique Iglesias & Juan Magán, all of them Latino megastars, to Pet Shop Boys, Anastacia, Sting, Jessie J, Jamie Cullum and Simple Minds, as well as ever loved, die-hard performers like Sir Tom Jones, Iggy Pop and Rod Stewart, plus countless other names, who these days are keen to be part of such an exclusive event.

The British jazz sensation Jamie Cullum likened performing at Starlite to what it must be like playing on the moon a direct reference to the rock surrounding the auditorium. We agree! And it becomes even more surreal, when gigantic DJ acts play the very cool sessions area with its separate stage, which is when the party really starts – if this were a spaceship, we might as well take off from here. There’s always a great atmosphere in the sessions part of the venue, with its countless bars and gastronomic experiences. It’s mega cool to hang out there, whether there’s a concert going or not. So, hit that play button now to find out what this festival is all about and then start planning to come down to Marbella to sample it yourself!

STARLITE FESTIVAL

As one of the best boutique festivals in Europe, Starlite Marbella, or Starlite Catalana Occidente, offers two months of the most varied and exciting summer entertainment in live music there is! Every July and August, it is the focal point on the Costa del Sol for outstanding shows and top-class acts to perform in the old quarry, a place that so many of the superstars, who have been part of Starlite over the years, have described as totally unique in the world.

The exclusive feel and private party atmosphere is what performers and spectators alike absolutely love! With the main stage set up around 60 metre high stone walls, which get lit by coloured spotlights, the festival goers immediately feel this intimate atmosphere, that makes every single concert an unforgettable experience. And the fact that the sessions stage in front of the auditorium also hosts its famous DJ nights means that ravers can go clubbing under the open skies – beautiful! With plenty of bars and gastro experiences in the Sessions area, it is just very cool to hang out with your friends up there, even on non-concert nights

Variety is a key word in Starlite’s programming, and it is absolutely true, when we say that ’there’s something for everyone’! From classical Spanish performances in music and dance, to rock and pop, and from electronic dance music to Latino EDM, hip hop and more, it is impossible to not find a show or live gig to your liking. Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo and Il Divo have all graced the stage there, but Elton John, Christian Aguilera, Diana Ross, Maluma, Ricky Martin, David Bisbal, Sting and Luis Fonsi, Alejandro Sanz, Gipsy Kings, Maná, as well as Hardwell and many other top-notch DJs have also been part of incredible line-ups over the years.

If you’re in beautiful Andalucia and happen to be on the Costa del Sol, you simply must go and sample this incredible summer experience. But first, hit that play button to watch our programme and catch the flavour of this hugely eclectic festival, that’s always worth a visit.

STARLITE FESTIVAL – THE VENUE

Many years ago, three men had a vision: they wanted to convert the quarry above Marbella, with to-die-for views of the Med, to a live music venue. They were Prince Alfonso zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Julio Iglesias and Placido Domingo! They presented their vision and project with an original tenor concert in 1983 – and what a concert that must have been! The rest is history…

Today, La Cantera de Nagüles is home to an absolute jewel of a festival, Starlite Marbella! It is one of the biggest summer attractions on the Costa del Sol for holidaymakers and residents alike, making you feel as if you were ‘on the moon’, as Jamie Cullum described it once (watch our programme about his concert on our Art & Culture channel in the EVENTS – EUROPE section)! The platform, on which the festival gets erected every year anew is surrounded by 60m high natural stone walls, holding an auditorium of about  3500 seats. Apart from only 20 or so rows in the stalls, where you can watch your favourite star at arm’s length, 8-seater ‘Bubble-boxes’ also offer a full VIP experience with waiter service throughout the concert. The podium, or tribune, holds the rest of the seats, arranged in a viewer-friendly way. Sitting in the very last row at the top makes you think, you could be on a roller coaster (so not that great for people with a fear of heights)!

It is also home to the Sessions area, with a further stage for live shows and DJ sets, as well as restaurants, VIP lounges and bars, offering delicious food and drink under the stars. Access to the Sessions space, which is also home to a shopping area, can be obtained separately. All in all, this brilliant festival feels like a mini-planet on its own, and although it has been compared to the Red Rock amphitheatre in Colorado, what the festival organisers are doing to this quarry in the foothills of the Sierras Blanca above Marbella, is something altogether more special due to the design-orientated lifestyle concept that gets rolled out in a different look every year. No wonder, that this place attracts 150.000 music & dance fans, who flock up to the quarry every summer, so don’t miss out #mustgo

Access has been a particular issue that needed solving, and over the years, the organisers have been able to sort this subject out too: apart from VIP-packages, which will drive you straight up to the entrance, the main public is carried up to the quarry by a fleet of buses. These drive frequently and all the time, so you might incur a bit of a queue when making your way up or when leaving. But the waiting lanes move permanently and clear quickly in order to get all festival goers back to the car parks safely and swiftly.

VISIT MARBELLA

When you think summer, sun, beach and nightlife, Ibiza is certainly not the only place to have a great time during the day and a brilliant night out to boot on top! Here’s your cue: MARBELLA. The glitz & glamour of the 60s has made way for quite a bit of ‘Life on Marbs’, but the fact is, that apart from the Brits, it is still a place visited by a huge number of Spaniards, Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians, French and many holidaymakers from the Arab countries, who make their way to the beautiful city at the foot of La Concha (mountain above Marbella) every summer to enjoy life and generally have a brilliant time!

We can talk about sunny Marbs being this highly exclusive spot for the super-rich forever – however, the picturesque nature of the city perched between the Sierra Blanca and the Mediterranean Sea appeals to all sorts of people. Yes, you have Puerto Banús with its luxury yachts and designer shopping, local and international food to-die-for, exclusive living and great hotels, but the charm of the Old Town, with its orange trees and countless tapas bars attracts holidaymakers and sun seekers from all over the world.

With 27km of sandy beaches, famous beach clubs like Ocean Beach, Nikki Beach or Opium Beach Club, the Puente Romano Hotel Resort and Marbella Club Hotel, you can live it large to your heart’s content. Entertainment at night does not fall short either with famous clubs like Olivia Valere and world-class festivals like Starlite. However, daytime fun can be had on the water with a wide range of water sports or on land on one of over 70 top-level golf courses, that gained fame when Sean Connery still lived on the Golden Mile. Not to mention the equestrian sports, as well as hiking and whatever the beautiful Sierra Blanca has to offer, will keep you busy without having to travel far.

Marbella is where old & new glamour exists side by side, and that makes it very special indeed. It’s a real pearl of a place in Andalusia, about half an hour by car from the airport in Málaga and just under an hour by car from Gibraltar. Beautiful towns like Granada, with the Sierras Nevada for skiing, are just over an hour away. If you prefer to head down South, you’ll find Tarifa, Europe’s most Southerly point only just over an hour away. From there, the next stop is the African continent by boat, or drive up the Costa de La Luz along the Atlantic to visit historic cities like Cádiz, Vejer or Puerto Santa Maria in deepest Sherry country.

We think, you might be busy enough to discover all that Marbella has to offer in one trip, but then…there’s always another visit in the offing 🙂