A Unique North American Xtreme Triathlon in Lac-Megantic
Press Release / 28.11.2016
The town of Lac-Mégantic will be known as the North American extreme triathlon capital after hosting the first edition of the CANADA MAN / WOMAN XTREME TRIATHLON on July 9th, 2017. This will be the first time an extreme triathlon crosses the Atlantic Ocean for a competition on North American soil. Quite the feat! ENDURANCE AVENTURE, leader in the creation and management of international sporting events, is a Quebec-based business whose team thinks outside of the box. It will organize, in partnership with the Town of Lac-Mégantic, this competition that is sure to provide participants with the opportunity to push themselves to reach new limits.
Jean-Guy Cloutier, mayor of Lac-Mégantic explains, “Lac-Mégantic is proud to officially announce that it will host this North American first. This event is a great way for Lac-Méganitc to demonstrate its desire to stand out and establish itself while showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Athletes from around the world will discover the human qualities of Lac-Mégantic residents as well as their warm welcome and extraordinary living environment.”
“The town of Lac-Mégantic decided to partner with the Endurance Aventure team because of, among other things, their expertise, passion, and drive to create challenges that revolve around people. We trust that our respective expertise and the mobilization of other municipalities will ensure CANADA MAN / CANADA WOMAN extreme triathlon athletes will enjoy an unforgettable experience. The economic repercussions of an event like this are important at a local, regional, and provincial level,” added Mr. Cloutier.
What is Extreme Triathlon?
You will never see a triathlon the same way again. An extreme triathlon is in fact a supreme Ironman-type triathlon. Athletes must complete 226 km as follows: 3.8 km swim, 180 km on their bike, and a 42.2 km run (marathon equivalent). These distances are applicable for an extreme triathlon. However, the obstacles are 10 times more difficult. For example, the marathon ends at the summit of a mountain instead of on flat terrain. After swimming 3.8 km and biking 180 km, extreme triathletes face a high-altitude marathon.
What Will The Canada Man/Woman Xtreme Triathlon Consist of?
On July 9th, 2017, at 4 :30 a.m., before dawn, triathletes will dive into Lac-Mégantic waters for the start of a long day that is sure to make them wonder what they got themselves into at times. They will deal with pain, fatigue, and a new sense of self-awareness as they discover a magnificent region. Participants will have 15 hours to reach Mont Mégantic National Park and attack the last 8.5 km that lead to the Mont Mégantic Observatory. The goal is to touch the stars before midnight. For security reasons, athletes must be accompanied by an assistant who will support them for this last stretch.
An elevation gain of approximately 4000 km must be added to the challenge of the 226-km course. Participants will advance towards the finish line, one step at a time. Considering the altitude of Mont Mégantic is 1 105 metres, the “extreme” aspect of the triathlon takes on a whole new meaning.
Extreme triathlons have a strong presence in Europe. Endurance Aventure’s Daniel Poirier and Jean-Thomas Boily guarantee the Lac-Mégantic Canada Man / Woman extreme triathlon will have a Canadian twist. “This is partly because of the amazing landscapes and natural attractions present in the Lac-Mégantic region. Beyond race times, the triathlon will represent an exceptional life experience with ups and downs, mixed emotions, and most of all, an unrivaled sense of pride and accomplishment.”
The duo also declared the following, “This triathlon will be intense, wild and authentic. Since Lac-Mégantic residents are known for their hospitality, triathletes will be welcomed at the start and finish as if they were surrounded by family members.” Like other extreme triathlons presented around the globe, the Lac-Mégantic event will be open to a maximum of 100 participants due to its complex nature. Among these participants, there will be many Europeans. 25 teams of three triathletes will also be accepted.
An Internationally Known Ambassador
Lyne Bessette, former Olympian, will be the Canada Man / Woman Xtreme Triathlon ambassador. The gold medal winner road cyclist at the Commonwealth Games and six-time Canadian champion happily accepted the event organizers’ invitation to act as ambassador for this first edition. Lyne Bessette will not only be present to encourage the triathletes and support volunteers. She will also line up at the start. Challenge-driven, she has taken to endurance competitions since her retirement. She will be among the women to watch on July 9th in Lac-Mégantic.
Great Exposure
One of Endurance Aventure’s missions has always been to create tools for the development and promotion of regions through the presentation of sporting events, televisual productions and various other broadcast platforms. Canada Man / Woman will therefore be seen in 50 countries thanks to a team of well-known cameramen and producers. Marc Plante, winner of a Gémeaux award for the best sports television show and head producer for the Sotchi Olympic Games for Radio-Canada will be present. “Images of the event will be broadcasted around the globe. The goal is to promote Lac-Mégantic and help its economic recovery after its reconstruction, by introducing the region to the 4.4 million triathletes around the world who like to stay abreast of everything that goes on in the triathlon world,” stated Daniel Poirier.
Who is Endurance Aventure?
A passion for sports is at the very heart of this business that has designed more than 20 000 km of courses. With its 150 Canadian and international associates, Endurance Aventure boasts unparalleled expertise in the field of international sporting events. Beyond being unique, the events they present reward participants’ soul, eyes, and body for the many challenges they face with enchanting landscapes. It’s untamed poetry!
Endurance Aventure has organized, produced, and participated in more than 250 events in 24 countries throughout the world. These include events in Nunavik, the Lower North Shore region, and in Gaspésie, with the Gaspésie International Raid that is now broadcasted in more than 100 countries, reaching up to 1 billion viewers.
