Press release

SWIM, PEDAL, RUN: A spectacular course in the heart of Québec City for the first edition of the SAIL Challenge Cap Québec triathlon powered by ARGON 18, from July 19 to 21, 2024 

Québec City, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – Next year, athletes of all levels will be able to take part in a brand-new endurance event in Québec City. The first edition of the SAIL Challenge Cap Québec triathlon, powered by Argon 18, from July 19 to 21, 2024, will offer a thrilling race experience, with swimming in the Louise Basin, cycling on Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency, and a running course along the Saint-Charles River and through the streets of Old Québec. 

An international Challenge Family event 
SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, is part of the Challenge Family triathlon series. Active in 27 countries, Challenge Family is recognized worldwide for its quality sports events held in iconic destinations. To mark its return to North America, Challenge Family has chosen Québec as the host city for its first official race of the 2024 season. 

A spectacular route in the heart of Québec City 
Centred around Québec’s Old Port district, the SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, is expected to draw more than 1,500 athletes and 10,000 spectators. The triathlon will kick off with a swim in the scenic Louise Basin in Québec’s Old Port, surrounded by sailboats. From there, racers will head to Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency (which will be closed to vehicle traffic for the occasion) for the cycling portion of the event along the St. Lawrence River to Montmorency Falls. The final leg will take participants on a running route that shows off the city’s history and outdoor amenities. The race will end at the Agora in the Port of Québec, a lively site that will also be home to the athletes’ village. 

Four triathlon distances for all ages and levels 
SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, seeks to attract not only international triathletes, but also athletes of all ages and levels. Four distances will be available: Discovery 12.85 km (375 m of swimming, 10 km of cycling, and 2.5 km of running), C25|Sprint 25.75 km (750 m of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running), A51|Olympic 51.50 km (1,500 m of swimming, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running), and P113|113 km Half Long Distance (1,900 m of swimming, 90 km of cycling and 21.1 km of running). 

Joining forces for a triathlon that’s convivial, festive, and inclusive 
SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, is partnering with the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Canadian Armed Forces to create a truly convivial, festive, and inclusive event. The collaborative contributions from these partners will be among the highlights of the event. 

Registration is now open: www.challenge-capquebec.com 
 
Quotes from organizers and partners 
“What a privilege, honour, and joy it is to host such a major sporting event in beautiful Québec City, an event that will bring the community together around a shared passion for endurance sports, physical activity, and the outdoors! My hope is that SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, quickly becomes a source of pride for the people of Québec and an event they can enjoy as athletes, supporters, spectators, volunteers, or stakeholders in the organization.” 
  – Dominique Piché, Executive Producer and Race Director, S-QUAD Sport International, Promoter of SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18

“SAIL is proud to present the first-ever SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18. This triathlon course will provide athletes, their families, volunteers, and everyone else in attendance with an opportunity to enjoy a great outdoor experience. We’re proud to partner with the S-QUAD Sport International team, which is driven by the same desire to deliver a unique experience for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. We look forward to introducing this event to Quebecers for this first edition!”
  – Norman Décarie, President and CEO, SAIL Outdoors Inc. 

“Argon 18 is proud to be partnering with a major international event in the prestigious Challenge Family series. An event that will attract both renowned professionals and amateur athletes in one big triathlon celebration. It's a wonderful opportunity to promote the sport of triathlon in the heart of Quebec City.” 
  – Martin Le Sauteur, CEO, Argon 18

“Athletes have long been asking us when we planned to return to North America, but we felt it was important to wait for the right moment, the right destination, and the right partner. We believe we’ve found all those ingredients here with SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, and we can’t think of a better place to make our return. We look forward to working with Dominique and his partners to position SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, as one of the top sporting events in the region.” 
  – Jort Vlam, CEO, Challenge Family 

“Every day, hundreds of people converge on Port lands to swim, ride, and run while enjoying the views of the St Lawrence River and our beautiful city. There’s no better place in Canada for the Challenge Family’s return. The Port of Québec looks forward to proudly welcoming athletes from around the world and offering them an unforgettable sporting and human experience.”
  – Mario-Girard, President and CEO, Port of Québec 

“The Huron-Wendat Nation is delighted to host the SAIL Challenge Cap Québec, powered by ARGON 18, on our territory, the Nionwentsïo, and along the Akiawenrahk River. I am very pleased that the Huron-Wendat culture, history, and traditions will be in the spotlight as part of programming for this international event, which gives participants and spectators a chance to get acquainted with the Huron-Wendat. Events like these are a great opportunity to build bridges between peoples, and this triathlon is no exception.”
  – Rémy Vincent, Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat Nation 

“Québec stands out for its unique approach to hosting world-class events like the triathlon, which will bring the city to life as athletes converge. We have the potential to become the most active city in Canada, and it’s events like this one that will help us achieve that goal. And we’re very pleased to be able to count on a well-established organization to deliver an unforgettable experience to athletes who come from all over the world to compete in our city. Our hospitality, drive, and scenic surroundings are sure to provide a unique experience for young and old alike. Sport is everyone’s business!
  – Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec 

About S-QUAD Sport International 
S-QUAD Sport International is an organization dedicated to organizing major sports and cultural events in and around Québec City. In collaboration with various partners, S-QUAD Sport International ensures that it holds quality events that meet very high standards. 

About SAIL Outdoors Inc.
SAIL Plein Air Inc., a Québec company founded over 40 years ago, employs nearly 1,300 people at its head office in Laval. It operates 12 stores under the SAIL banner, eight in Québec and four in Ontario, as well as a transactional site (sail.ca) that serves all of Canada.

About Challenge Family 
Challenge Family has over 30 long- and middle-distance triathlons around the globe. Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, no Challenge Family race is like any other. Focusing on delivering the race of a lifetime to athletes of all ages and abilities, Challenge Family races provide unforgettable experiences that capture all the excitement and emotions of this inspirational sport for competitors, friends, family, and supporters alike.

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Media Relations by Agence Théo
Myranie Tremblay | 418-929-2423 | [email protected]