The 39th edition of the Audencia La Baule Triathlon, set to take place on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, will once again draw a large crowd, with 9,000 participants expected to compete across various events. This number reflects the triathlon’s continued popularity and appeal in the region. However, this year will mark a significant shift: for the first time, there will be no elite races—events typically reserved for top professional athletes. This decision comes as a response to financial challenges faced by the organizers. According to Juliette Berlivet, the event’s new director, the absence of elite races is necessary to manage the budget more effectively. Elite races often require higher costs related to prize money, sponsorships, and logistical support, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain in recent years. Despite this change, the event will still feature a wide range of categories, including amateur and age-group competitions, ensuring that both seasoned athletes and newcomers can participate. The organizers emphasize that the core experience of the triathlon—comprising swimming, cycling, and running—will remain unchanged, maintaining the event’s tradition and community spirit. The decision to exclude elite races has sparked some discussion among local athletes and sports enthusiasts. While some express concern about the event’s international profile, others support the move as a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of the triathlon. The focus will now shift toward making the event more accessible and sustainable for the broader community.