We would like to highlight the contribution of three individuals who have greatly contributed to the development of triathlon in Quebec, as well as its international influence. In their own way, these three personalities have made their mark on the sport.
Meet François Calleta, Alexis Lepage and Dominique Piché.
After putting aside a career in marketing, Mr. Calleta founded the NPO Groupe Pentathlon, an organization dedicated to staging large-scale, innovative and unifying sporting events. He is the instigator of the famous Pentathlon des neiges, one of the world’s biggest winter athletic events.
Over the years, the event has left its mark on Quebec City’s sporting scene. As part of Quebec City’s 400th anniversary celebrations, the race took place on the Plains of Abraham, instead of its usual location on Lac-Beauport. A few years later, in 2016, still in Quebec City, the event’s ice oval became a seasonal infrastructure open to the public throughout the winter season, where over 70,000 people enjoy it annually.
Each year, François Calleta has enabled over 6300 participants to surpass their limits through a variety of competitions accessible to all ages and levels, either alone or as part of a team. Anyone can take part!
To find out more about the organization: click here.
In July 2021, Alexis Lepage fulfilled a childhood dream by taking part in the Tokyo Olympic Games in triathlon, making history by becoming the first male athlete to do so. A year later, he announced his retirement from the sport. Like many Olympians, Alexis inspired a new generation of athletes along the way, proving that it’s possible to make it!
From his early days at provincial level, he showed great tenacity and versatility as he competed in the Jeux du Québec on four occasions, in triathlon, cycling and cross-country skiing. In 2013, he made his mark on the national scene with a bronze medal at the Canada Games and the title of Canadian Junior Champion. He went on to become Canadian elite vice-champion in 2017.
Internationally, he earned his first distinction in 2014, when he won a bronze medal at the World Junior and U23 Team Relay Championships. A few years later, he won a silver medal at the Pan-American Games in Lima. Thereafter, he continued to make his mark on the world rankings, finishing on the Continental Cup podium eight times. Individually, he also won bronze at the 2018 World Cup in Chengdu. At the Commonwealth Games, one of the biggest international competitions, he placed 13th in the individual event.
We’d like to congratulate Alexis Lepage on his fabulous career and wish him all the best for his future adventures. Thank you for being an example and an inspiration to our young people!
To find out more about his career: click here.
Dominique Piché has long been involved in the world of Quebec triathlon. It’s thanks to him, among other things, that the Ironman de Tremblant is recognized as an internationally renowned event. With the collaboration of Marc Roy and Isabelle Fradette, owners of Sporstats, it was in 2010 that the Ironman World Association designated Tremblant as a flagship destination.
Since then, year after year, the event has grown from strength to strength, winning numerous awards for both innovation and eco-responsibility.
In addition, Mr. Piché’s involvement enabled the development of numerous infrastructures to improve the race site. For example, Chemin Duplessis, the P1 parking lot at Tremblant station and Montée Ryan were upgraded, and the Saint-Bernard observatory was set up.
Dominique Piché has made a huge impact on the Quebec sports scene, and is enabling others to follow in his footsteps. The entire Triathlon Québec team would like to thank Mr. Piché for his dedication to the sport.
To find out more about the event: click here.
