Challenge Family has partnered with one of Canada’s oldest triathlon events, to launch the newly branded SAIL Challenge Esprit Montréal on September 6-8, 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.
SAIL Challenge Esprit Montréal is the second Challenge Family event in Quebec. The recently unveiled SAIL Challenge Cap Québec powered by Argon 18, is set to held for the first time at Port Québec, Old Québec City, on July 19-21, 2024.
The two Canadian events join Challenge New Jersey State Triathlon to total three Challenge Family branded events in North America.
“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,” said Dominique Piché, Executive Producer of SAIL Challenge Esprit Challenge Montréal.
“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.”
Known for a flat, fast course, SAIL Challenge Esprit Montréal will feature four distances: Initiation, Sprint, Olympic, Middle.
Athletes will swim, bike and run in the Olympic Basin and on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montréal supported by an experienced event team.
Jerome McEniry, Race Director of SAIL Challenge Esprit Montréal, said “The arrival of Challenge Family is a unique opportunity to raise our triathlon, renowned for 40 years for the historic nature of its site. [We have] hosted some great sporting moments over the years, to a world-class level. The iconic course is ideal for both novice triathletes and experts looking to beat their personal bests.”
The SAIL Challenge Esprit Montréal triathlon course starts in the Olympic Basin, which offers ideal swimming conditions with calm waters. The race continues with a multi-lap cycling experience on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, famous for hosting the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix. This becomes the backdrop for one of the fastest bike courses in the Canada.
The run course is set on the site of the 1976 Olympic Games before crossing the finish line overlooked by Montréal’s biosphere.
“The respected legacy and prime location of SAIL 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 SAIL 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.”
Danny McCann, founder of Esprit de Montréal Triathlon, added “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.
“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.”
www.challenge-espritmontreal.com
