Former Ironman Mont-Tremblant race director brings Challenge back to North America

Dominique Piche, the man who brought Ironman racing to Quebec with Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant, is bringing the Challenge Family brand back to North America. Challenge Cap Quebec will feature a weekend festival of racing next July, with super-sprint, sprint, Olympic and half-distance races set in the heart of one of Canada’s most picturesque cities.

Dominique Piché resigns as Ironman Mont-Tremblant race director

The racing will be centred in the Port of Quebec, with the swim taking place in Bassin Louise, “surrounded by yachts and the charming old-town Quebec.” That’s followed by a relative flat bike course along a closed highway along the St. Lawrence River – the half-distance race will feature four out-and-back loops. The run course will follow the Rivière St. Charles and take athletes through the historic old Quebec City before returning to the Port of Quebec Agora for the finish that will feature a great view of Chateau Frontenac.

“What a privilege, honour and joy it is to organise such a major sporting event in the magnificent city of Québec, an event that will bring the community together around a passion for endurance sport, physical activity and the great outdoors!”Piché said. “I hope Challenge Cap Québec will quickly become a source of great pride for the people of Québec City, so they can enjoy taking part as athletes, supporters, spectators, volunteers or stakeholders in the organization.“

“Athletes have been asking us for many years when we will return to North America, but it was important for us to wait for the right time, the right destination, and the right partner,” said Challenge Family CEO, Jort Vlam. “We believe we’ve found all of that with Challenge Cap Québec, and we can’t think of a more fitting location to make a memorable return to North America. We look forward to working with Dominique and the city of Québec to build Challenge Cap Québec into one of the region’s premiere sports events.”

The race weekend will take place from July 19 to 21. You can register and get more information at www.challenge-capquebec.com

We’re at the press conference for the event and will have more stories throughout the day.