Xterra Quebec City

Xterra Quebec City


I had the chance to take part in the second edition of Xterra Quebec City this past weekend.  Although still in its inception, this race would not disappoint and procure plenty of challenges. Nestled near Stoneham Ski resort, Lac Delage is about 30 min north of Quebec city and is the race site chosen by the race director.  The swim course is a giant square of 1200m, favouriting the non swimmer as it is a bit shorter that the usual 1500m.  To the dismay of many, including yours truly, the water temperature last weekend was too warm to be wetsuit legal.  Although unaware at the time, speed suits weren’t supposed to be allowed as Tri Quebec follows the ITUI rules that on a non wetsuit race, whatever you wear going in the swim has to be kept for the rest of the day.  I had spoken with the race director a few days before and that was not the case.  After a quick discussion as I was in transition with an official, she gave me a break and I continued on without penalty. To my defence I was not the only competitor with a speed suit.  If the swim is on the short side and probably not as hard, the bike course is definitely the opposite.  One could describe this course as reminiscent of a true world cup cross country course in “La Belle Province” the 6 km loop  that had to be done 5 times posed plenty of challenges and demanded technical ability on the mountain bike.  This true cross country course has it all from the Chicken pass option almost at the start of the course to steep power climbs, rocks and roots and tricky descent; mountain biking skills are a must.  With two waves being 10 minutes apart, the trail was not too crowded given the fact that it was a multi loop system and all riders that I encountered were very gracious to let faster riders pass as soon as they could.  The nice thing about the multi loop system is that it is great for spectator as they would see you in a pump track style every lap where a live band, music, and beer garden were accessible for them.  The run course was in itself also a challenge as although not a lot of elevation gain was taken on the bike compared to other course around the world, the technical and short power climbs would still tire your legs.  The run course was a 5km loop to be done twice and with longer ascent and some technical descent, one could not take a rest. This run course was also a true cross country run presenting all the challenges that one would expect. Adequate aid station were on the course as last minute decision from the race director to add a few due to the heat was the right call to make.  It is to be noted that if this course was in the rain and mud such as last year, it would be very challenging to say the least.  Although in its infancy this race has definitely the potential to become a marquee race and should definitely be on everyone’s race calendar who is looking for a challenge both on the bike and on the run.  The volunteers were great and you can see that a lot of hard work has been poured on the trail system.  As for me, it was nice to be back to racing after having being sidelined for three and half months with a broken foot.  Happy Trails

Carpe Diem

Text: Chuck Fortier
Picture: Pascal Gagné

Scouting Reprot from the bike course at Xterra Quebec Cityoo

This will be my first Xterra since I broke my foot.  Although I'm from Quebec I have never done this race and had never ridden the course.  I arrived last week, fighting a strep throat infection. The weather had been rainy and I had no idea what to expect from the course.  The bike course is a 6 km loop that each riders will have to navigate five times.  I would describe the course as being in line with  what I expected from cross country riding in la belle province, technical, short but steep climb with lots of rocks and roots.  You know you're in for a challenge when you're two minutes into the course and you're already face with a "chicken pass" section. Other trails such as S curve, bobsleigh and cheese grater will also greet you along the way.  The challenge will be that with 100 racers or so and not a lot of place to pass, the faster racers might end up catching the back of the field near the end.  The run course has some steep section right off the bat and will also see racers do two loops or roughly 5 km each.  Another true cross country course with roots, rocks that will challenge especially after the bike.  It seems that so far the rain has held off and the course is looking good, we will have to see as there is some rain in the forecast.  Water temperature is borderline for a non wetsuit swim so let's hope it's stays unde the limit.  My lovely wife will take over my tweeter account on race day so feel free to follow @chuck98  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem