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With a race course graced by Olympians and F1 drivers (more on that later!) and four race distances on offer, triathlon writer Liz Barrett is here with all the details on why you should be adding Challenge Montreal to your race calendar this season!
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From an Olympic Games swim and run course to an F1 circuit bike leg, Challenge Montreal is your chance to add your stamp to history.
What’s more, there are several distances to choose from alongside the classic middle-distance – or as the French Canadians say, the Demi-Esprit – starting with a try-a-tri from ages 12+, a sprint distance, an Olympic distance, plus relays, aquabikes and duathlons across a multitude of distances. This really is a multisport festival, Montrealer-style.
Location - A slice of nature just a stone's throw from downtown Montreal
The racing takes place in Parc Jean Drapeau, an island within islands in the centre of Montréal that was created for Expo 67.
The park boasts 25km of roads and trails and provides a slice of nature just a few steps from downtown Montréal, which itself is considered the cultural capital of Canada. The old town within Montréal is very European in style, with narrow cobbled streets bursting with life from the many independent shops – save room in your luggage for a bottle of maple syrup – cafés, and excellent restaurants.
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport welcomes flights from across the globe, and is just half an hour to the race venue by car.
Why race... Challenge Montreal
40 years of history, an iconic race course and the perfect opportunity to make a vacation out of it and experience everything Montreal has to offer. Here’s why you should add Challenge Montreal to your race calendar:
Course - follow in the footsteps of the sporting greats
With Olympic and Formula 1 pedigree, race courses don’t come more iconic than the Challenge Montreal course! Here’s what you can look forward to if you’re taking on the middle distance event.
Swim - 1.9km
The single-lap rolling-start swim takes place in the Olympic Basin, offering ideal swimming conditions thanks to its pure, calm waters. It’s also ideal for both novices and experienced triathletes looking to set a swim PB. A single transition keeps logistics simple.
BIke - 90km
Twenty-one super speedy laps stand between you and the start of the final run leg. Taking place on the legendary Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, famous for hosting the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, it’s no surprise that it’s also the fastest bike course in the country. This unparalleled cycling experience allows you to push your limits and race like a champ. Moreover, your family and friends will be able to cheer you on for each and every lap. For middle-distance athletes only, the drafting space is 12m and athletes have 25 seconds to pass or back up after being passed.
Run - 21.1km
The final 4.5-lap half-marathon is set on the iconic site of the 1976 Olympic Games. Again, it’s pancake flat allowing you to really put the power down and draw inspiration from all the incredible sporting feats that have come before – the finish line is where the Olympic rowing and canoeing events took place.
Race training & prep
You can really get the hammer down on this lightening-fast course, so in training you’ll want to get used to racing in the aero position and practise cycling at high speeds.
With 21 laps to cover on the bike, you’ll also want to sharpen up those cornering and handling skills, too.
Once on-site there will be open-water swim training sessions in Corridor 0 (swim exit) in the Olympic Basin in the final afternoons before the race.
Travel & accommodation
Partner hotels for this event are Germain Hôtels and Alt Hôtels par le Germain.
The best way to get around the city is via the metro. To get to the race venue it’s the Jean-Drapeau station located on the yellow line – you can even transport your bike on the metro to get to the competition site.
From the metro, it’s an approximately 10-minute walk to get to the Olympic Basin.
If you want to cycle to the venue, from Montreal take the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge (via Pierre-Dupuy Avenue). From the South Shore go over the Victoria Bridge or the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
You can drive to Parc Jean-Drapeau and purchase a parking pass for $25.75 when you pick up your race packs. But you can also pay for parking on the day of the event for the same price.
Spectators - welcome your loved ones home
The best spot for spectators is at the finish line, where you can join your loved one along the finish line and soak up the celebratory atmosphere.
Race-cation - discover Montreal’s rich history
Montreal is packed full of fantastic things to do. Here are just a few to what your appetite:
Walk the charming cobblestone streets of the city’s historic district, home to architectural styles dating as far back as 1685. Stop at Notre-Dame Basilica for a glimpse at the incredible stained glass art, then head to historic Place Jacques-Cartier and install yourself on a terrace, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to watch street performers and portrait artists.
Go up to the Saint-Joseph Oratory, a Montréal masterpiece and the pièce de résistance among a city of one thousand stunning churches. The basilica’s huge dome reaches 97m making it second only in height to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Discover Mount Royal and the Kondiaronk lookout. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also crafted New York’s Central Park), this ‘mountain’ park is the city’s most iconic landmark — and the most popular place to snap a Montréal selfie. You can reach the viewpoint at the top by walking up the stairs or with a guided tour. In the chalet at the summit, visitors will find toilets and a small cafe for refreshments. Give yourself at least two hours.
You can’t leave Montreal without trying their bagels, which Montrealers believe are better than those of New York (this writer can vouch that they are superior). The question will be, whose will you prefer – Fairmount Bagel Bakery or St-Viateur Bagel? You’ll also want to sample the French-Canadian staple, poutine – french fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Check out La Banquise for some of the city’s finest.
Experience the ultimate challenge at SAIL Challenge Esprit Montreal! Swim in the 1978 Olympic Basin, then bike through the legendary F1 circuit at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, before finishing with the run in the stunning Parc Jean-Drapeu. This incredible course offers athletes the chance to race through some of Montreal's most famous landmarks.
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