Challenge Family has partnered with one of Canada’s oldest and most respected events to announce Challenge Esprit Montreal on 6-8 September 2024. The event will mark the 40th anniversary of the original Esprit de Montréal Triathlon which each year attracts over 3,000 athletes to the Olympic venue in the heart of Montréal, Québec.
“It is with a high level of pride and respect that we will continue the history of this triathlon, created and led with passion by Danny McCann since its inception in 1984. It is important for the Challenge Family team and myself to continue the values of excellence, inclusion and caring for which this event is renowned and so appreciated by athletes and spectators alike,” said Dominique Piché, executive producer of Challenge Esprit Challenge Montréal.
A world-class triathlon in Montréal
Renowned for its flat, fast course, Challenge Esprit Montréal will feature four distances (Initiation, Sprint, Olympic, Middle) of swim, bike, run held in the Olympic Basin and on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at Parc Jean-Drapeau supported by an experienced and long-standing team. With Challenge Family, participants can look forward to an international-calibre event that raises the profile of the experience on course.
“The arrival of Challenge Family is a unique opportunity to raise our triathlon, renowned for 40 years for the historic nature of its site, which has hosted some great sporting moments over the years, to a world-class level. Its iconic course is ideal for both novice triathletes and experts looking to beat their personal bests,” said Jerome McEniry, Race Director of Challenge Esprit Montréal.
The Challenge Esprit Montréal triathlon course invites athletes to enjoy a unique experience starting in the Olympic Basin, which offers ideal swimming conditions with its pure, calm waters. The race continues with a multi-lap cycling experience on the legendary Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, famous for hosting the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix. This becomes the perfect backdrop for the fastest bike course in the country. The final event features a run course set on the iconic site of the 1976 Olympic Games before crossing the finish line overlooked by the biosphere.
Two Québec events on the international Challenge Family circuit
Challenge Esprit Montréal represents a second event for Challenge Family in Quebec, which recently unveiled Challenge Cap Québec, to be held for the first time at Port Québec, Old Québec City on 19 – 21 July 2024.
“The respected legacy and prime location of Challenge Esprit Montréal represents an outstanding opportunity to combine our shared values and create a quality international event that is all about the athlete,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “This announcement brings the total North American Challenge races to three, alongside Challenge Cap Québec and Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon. Montréal is a very popular destination for athletes and we very much look forward to working with the established team and local community in this stunning location that is so well set up for triathlon.”
“After organising 39 triathlons in the heart of Montréal, surrounded by exceptional people, it is with confidence that I pass on the torch to Dominique Piché and the Challenge Family team,” said Danny McCann, founder of Esprit de Montréal Triathlon. “Their passion for the world of triathlon and their desire to take this event even further are very touching. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us for the 40th anniversary and to have a front row seat next September!”
