The women’s field in Nice is so strong this week that the task of picking a winner from the many high-class athletes on show is almost impossible.
However, while singling out one definite victor to take the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship crown might be too much to ask, we can at least look at the ten triathletes who are most likely to challenge.
Having crunched some numbers and taken into account past records, current form and present fitness, we have come up with the women’s big race rankings – our guide to who we think will make the podium, who could be the biggest danger, and which athlete has the potential to cause a major upset.
One thing is for sure: this weekend promises to be one of the most thrilling championship events in the 20-year history of the 70.3 Worlds, and we can’t wait for the action to get underway.
The ones to beat:
We start with the three women who are most likely to take a place on the podium, and it is already hard for us to stick to our own rules of just three athletes per bracket. However, rules are rules, and we have to be strict, so our three for the podium this weekend are:
- Taylor Knibb (USA): Incredible record in this race with three consecutive wins in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and has already had 70.3 success this season. Her bike strength could prove crucial on this course, and few are as powerful in the saddle as Knibb. Can anyone stop her?
- Laura Philipp (GER): If we are being completely honest, the German wouldn’t have been this high on the list a few months ago after a slow start to 2026 caused by illness and injury, but she has hit a real streak of form recently and looks to be in incredible shape.
- Kat Matthews (GBR): Runner-up in 2023 and 2024, could this finally be the year that Matthews picks up a major title? Wins at 70.3 Geelong and 70.3 Elsinore will have given her confidence, while her sheer desire to succeed always means she is a threat.
Champions in waiting:
OK, so this is where we put those athletes who could very easily win on the day but who didn’t quite get into the top three – let’s just say there was plenty of argument over the first on the list.
- Solveig Løvseth (NOR): Just misses out on a place in the top three for no other reason than her speciality is full-distance IRONMAN and she could have an eye on defending her title in Kona. She was below her best when finishing sixth in this race last year, as it came so soon after her World Championship win, and she later admitted that there was a sense of ‘going through the motions’ in Marbella. Where are her priorities this year?
- Julie Derron (SUI): Has enjoyed a strong T100 season so far, winning in Vancouver this year and looking in impressive form. Can the Paris Olympic silver medallist add an IRONMAN major to her CV? Certainly deserves her place this high in the rankings and is a real podium threat.
- Marjolaine Pierré (FRA): If anyone knows the Nice course, then it is Marjolaine, who lives in the city and would love nothing more than to secure a win on ‘home’ soil. She also has the skills to do it. Won the 70.3 at Pays d’Aix earlier this year and was second at 70.3 Sweden in her last outing.
One big day from glory:
These athletes have all enjoyed success in 2026 and are more than capable of causing a small upset by taking the tape in Nice… worth an each-way bet.
- Paula Findlay (CAN): A runner-up to Knibb in 2022, she was also fifth in 2023 and has been in decent form this year with a win at 70.3 Pennsylvania and a second place at 70.3 Chattanooga. Has also spread her wings to full-distance triathlon with a fine win at Lake Placid and arrives in Nice full of confidence.
- Alanis Siffert (SUI): Still only 24, it would be tempting to suggest this has been a breakthrough year for the Challenge Roth winner, but she has already won plenty of races in her young career and will relish a Worlds opportunity. Has won four races this season, with the Alpe d’Huez, Zarauzko and 70.3 Shanghai adding to her Roth success.
- Caroline Pohle (GER): The German has won five races during 2026: Challenge Gran Canaria, The Championship, Challenge St Pölten, the Trumer Triathlon and 70.3 Leipzig, and that form is something to beware. Finished back in 23rd place last year and will know she is capable of much better.
Potential podium disruptor:
Finally, we pick one long-shot who has the potential to make a nuisance of themselves on the day. That one athlete who could burst through the pack and surprise everyone by taking a place on the podium.
- Grace Alexander (USA): Alexander has two very good 70.3 wins on her 2026 CV – Northern California and Chattanooga – and also showed her abilities with a fourth-place finish in Pennsylvania. A real threat, especially if she can get away to her customary fast start in the swim and open up a decent gap ahead of the bike.
Click on the links below for more IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship content.
‘Ferrari Chainsaw’ Taylor Knibb reveals biggest worry ahead of IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds
Hayden Wilde sends ominous fitness update ahead of IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship
IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds 2026 men’s race: How to watch and full preview of a stacked field
IRONMAN 70.3 Worlds 2026 women’s race: How to watch and full preview
