Challenge Family has made a decisive return to North America with today’s announcement of the major new middle distance race, SAIL Challenge Cap Québec powered by Argon 18, set in the heart of the Canadian UNESCO World Heritage city.
Set to take place on 19-21 July 2024, SAIL Challenge Cap Québec will bring the athlete-centric focus for which Challenge Family is renowned to North America with a true festival of triathlon. Events for all ages and abilities over a variety of distances will make up the weekend, culminating in the flagship middle distance race led by a world-class professional field.
The arrival of Challenge Family on the Canadian calendar has been welcomed by the triathlon community, with top Canadian professional athlete, Lionel Sanders commenting, “I am very excited to hear the announcement of the new Challenge Family race in Québec. Every time I go to Québec it feels like I am at a hometown race and the support is overwhelming. From the description of the event it is promising to be quite picturesque and lends itself to be extremely spectator friendly! You’re going to want to add this one to your summer race calendar!”
Fellow Canadian professional, Paula Findlay, was also excited by the news. “I’m thrilled to hear of the new Challenge Family race in Québec, Canada next year,” she said. “Opportunities to race in my home country don’t happen very often, and they always have an extra special feel. The home country advantage is real, and the crowd support at Canadian races is unreal. I have no doubt that Challenge will put on a world class event at this brand new venue, with a spectacular backdrop. Hope to see you there!”
The SAIL Challenge Cap Québec middle distance course promises to showcase the best of the city and its surroundings. The event kicks off with a 1.9km swim in Bassin Louise, surrounded by yachts and the charming old-town Québec.
The bike course, a four-lap, 90km route, is historic in its own right, as it marks the first time the highway will be closed this long for an event. Athletes will experience an out-and-back ride along the St Lawrence River, featuring picturesque views of Île d'Orléans and the city.
Returning to T2, the run takes participants on a flat course through 400 years of history in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Athletes will explore Québec City along quays 21 and 22 of the port, followed by a scenic run along the Rivière Saint-Charles, offering breathtaking vistas of Île d'Orléans, the St Lawrence River, and its many boats. The race concludes at the Port of Québec Agora, an awe-inspiring location on the banks of the St Lawrence River, with a panoramic view of the iconic Château 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!” said Dominique Piché, race director of SAIL Challenge Cap Québec. “I hope SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, 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 organisation."
"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 SAIL 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."
SAIL Challenge Cap Québec will take place on 19-21 July 2024 and registration is open now for this exciting new race that promises to be an unforgettable experience in the heart of Canada's heritage city at www.challenge-capquebec.com.