Our champs are more than ready to take on the Saint Lawrence! Temperatures may be freezing, but there\u2019s no way they\u2019re going to get cold feet. Not after submitting to all those gruelling training sessions, and giving their all to win. The running, the falling, the pain, the getting up \u2026 it\u2019s all part of what makes a winning team. And this is the team we\u2019re supporting for the Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge.<\/p>\n
TEAM MEMBERS ARE :<\/strong> Sarah Boudreau-Turpin \/\/ Front starboard side, in charge of scheduling Dominique Bernard \/\/ Rear port side, designated navigator Anne-Sophie Corriveau \/\/ Front port side, in charge of waxing Dominique Lalibert\u00e9 \/\/ Rear starboard side Laurianne Ouellet \/\/ Rear port side, rear starboard side, team leader M\u00e9lisande Tardif \/\/ Rower (any position) and coxswain We had a talk with them to get their take on the sport, and to find out a little more about each of them.<\/p>\n A TEAM IS BORN\u00a0<\/strong> The story of our very young team began three seasons ago. It all began when Dominique Bernard fell in love with ice canoeing, which she had never practiced, but which just called out to her. Through her network of rugby player friends, she found two canoeists with experience who were ready to take part in her adventure. To complete the team, she contacted Marianne and Sarah, who had attended Quebec City ice canoe races when they were children. Everyone immediately hit it off! After a first season, the girls decided to create their very own team for 2012\u20132013.<\/p>\n Dominique, Marianne and Sarah found a canoe and more team members: Dominique Lalibert\u00e9 (a fellow rugby player) and Anne-Sophie (a long-time friend). Just one training session was enough to convince the two that both the sport and the team were definitely for them. We first called ourselves \u201cLooking for sponsor,\u201d but this didn\u2019t last very long, as Bota Bota, the floating spa, contacted us before the start of our first season. They wanted to be part of ice canoeing\u2019s revival in Montreal, and thought we\u2019d provide the perfect vehicle. What an incredible opportunity!<\/p>\n We soon realized that five team members weren\u2019t enough, and that we could use some help in case of injury, fatigue or illness. After signing up some stand-ins and then a sixth team member \u2013 who had to leave after the first season \u2013 we finally found our newest team-mates, Laurianne and M\u00e9lisande.<\/p>\n The Race Courses<\/strong> Our team will be entering all the races in the circuit, i.e. seven races this year. To have a chance of winning, our two new team-mates are essential!<\/p>\n As each race has its own personality, each racer has her favourite. Below is a brief description of the races to be held in 2015: Regional Races \/\/ L\u2019Isle-aux-Coudres and Rimouski present an opportunity for some memorable team effort. Held in Quebec\u2019s Charlevoix and Lower Saint Lawrence regions, these two races provide for some much-appreciated party time in the evenings. And getting there makes for an unforgettable road trip complemented by great music!<\/p>\n Show-off Races \/\/ The \u201cCourse de la banquise\u201d is the first to be held. This is where racers show off their skills and reveal to other teams what they can do. The winner of the Coupe des Glaces can sometimes be predicted from performances at this event. Another show-off race, the Course du Carnaval de Qu\u00e9bec offers large enthusiastic crowds and a few surprise appearances from teams that give the sport international exposure.<\/p>\n Races of Discovery \/\/ The Sorel race \u2013 the circuit\u2019s newest \u2013 provides that element of surprise that many racers love. Also part of this category is the now mandatory Rimouski race, which will offer a new challenge for many participants.<\/p>\n The Team\u2019s Best Performances<\/strong> Our best team ranking was no doubt last year\u2019s 3rd place in the Coupe des Glaces final results. Our second place in the Portneuf race was no doubt a factor in allowing us to make it to the women\u2019s \u00c9lite Class podium. In the Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge, the winning team will be the one that tames the fierce Saint Mary current. Winners will have to paddle as well they run beside the canoe. Endurance will also be a key factor.<\/p>\n With our third-place standing and our first place in the last two races (Rimouski and Quebec City Carnival), we\u2019ve set the bar very high for Montreal.<\/p>\n
\nMarianne Biron-Hudon \/\/ Coxswain and team captain
\nPsychoeducation student and retired rugby player<\/p>\n
\nGraduate in nutrition and rugby player for the Rouge et Or team<\/p>\n
\nForestry student and rugby player for the Rouge et Or team<\/p>\n
\nMaster\u2019s student in geology and rock climber (she really likes rocks)<\/p>\n
\nConsumer sciences student and rugby player for the Rouge et Or team<\/p>\n
\nMaster\u2019s student in occupational therapy and retired Team Canada cross-country skier<\/p>\n
\nGraduate in outdoor education and rafting guide<\/p>\n
\nby M\u00e9lisande Tardif<\/em><\/p>\n
\nby Dominique Bernard<\/em><\/p>\n
\nUltimate Races \/\/ The Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge and the \u201cGrand d\u00e9fi des glaces\u201d are the Ironman events favoured by racers who enjoy going all out. They\u2019re the longest \u2013 in length and duration \u2013 with the toughest teams having to go around three times before having a chance at the podium.<\/p>\n
\nby Sarah Boudreau-Turpin<\/em><\/p>\n