Just over a year ago, Joe Skipper produced one of the most memorable long-distance races on British soil to come from well over 20 minutes down after a bike mechanical to take the win at IRONMAN Wales.

On Sunday the Norfolk man will hope to produce a similar performance (minus the mechanical) in Nice, as he looks to secure the spot on an IRONMAN World Championship podium which has eluded him for so long.

The fan favourite, who became a father this season, shared his excitement to compete in the pre-race press conference and revealed he’d applied a number of the same principles in training for Nice that he did in the build-up to that magical day in Tenby 12 months ago.

Tried and tested for Skipper

Looking to be the first British man on an IMWC podium since David McNamee over five years ago, Skipper has prepared for this race at altitude in Font Romeu, as he did for IRONMAN Wales last season.

“IRONMAN Wales was probably one of my best days, so I have replicated what I did before that last year for this race and I’ll hopefully have the legs that can help me get my best performance to date. If I can feel like I did then on race day, then I’ll be happy with that and hopefully I’ll then be in the mix.” 

Having ridden the course last year during an impromptu turn out at IRONMAN France Nice, Skipper is familiar with the testing nature of the bike leg, the severity of which he believes may catch some people out.

“With the climb on the course, the big one, I didn’t realise how long it goes on for and the lack of aid stations on there was something to note. Then the second climb before the descent will be the sting in the tail and knowing how that will feel is a big benefit, as I think it’ll catch a lot of people out.” 

Fifth in Kona last year, the PTO World #14 already has a string of accolades and achievements to his name. However, on Sunday, the one podium which has always eluded him will be the only thing on Skipper’s mind.