Ironman 70.3 Mont Tremblant 2025 Race Report

A Story of Triumph, Perseverance, and Community

Ironman Tremblant 70.3 was nothing short of a transformational experience for me. With the support of the incredible Triathlon community, the guidance of exceptional coaches, and a determination rooted in sheer passion, I embarked on a journey that tested my limits and gifted me with lifetime memories.

The Pre-Race Rollercoaster

Leading up to the race, stress was my constant companion. My tri bike faced mysterious Di2 issues, leaving me unsure whether it would even be race-ready. Yet, in true Ironman spirit, the Triathlon community rallied around me. The generosity I encountered was humbling—complete strangers offered me their bikes just to ensure I'd have a shot at competing. It was an emotional reminder of how connected and compassionate this community truly is. In the end, Coach Mike Osbourne saved the day, resolving the issue and getting my bike back in top condition. Thank you, Coach Mike!

Race Morning Rituals

Race morning unfolded in familiar fashion—early wake-up calls, coffee, electrolytes, peanut butter toast, and bananas. A calm precision guided my prep as I headed to the swim start, where I positioned myself to aim for a 33-minute swim.

Crushing the Swim

As the swim began, the serene waters mirrored my controlled strokes. I found myself moving faster than most, seeking clear water instead of fast feet. The swim was smooth and felt perfectly paced. Though my watch was accidentally paused mid-swim by another athlete, I discovered later that I had set a personal best for the distance. What an incredible feeling to kick off the day with such success!

Flying on the Bike

The bike portion was another whirlwind of achievement. For the first time, I used clipped-in shoes with elastics, and my practiced flying mount worked flawlessly. The course on the 117 highway was fast, smooth, and exhilarating. While setting my peak power at Duplessis, the crowd—especially Coach Gabi cheering—propelled me with their energy. Despite the challenging climbs, I achieved another personal best, conquering the 90km distance even with the hills!

Battling Challenges on the Run

The run began with a tough first 5km. Nausea and steep climbs forced me to focus only on maintaining form, sipping water, and cooling off with ice. But at the 8km mark, everything shifted—I found my rhythm, and my legs, lungs, and stomach aligned. No nutrition intake on the run wasn’t ideal, but my determination held steady.

As the second half unfolded, I picked up speed, overtaking competitors—something I’d never done before! The final climbs were tough, but the downhill sprint pushed me to my limits as I tried to reel in a fellow runner. I crossed the line victorious in my own right, smashing the 5-hour barrier with a time of 4:53:27—another personal best!

Reflecting on Triumphs

Post-race, I felt remarkably good—not drained but invigorated. This achievement instilled confidence as I look ahead to Ironman Ottawa. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Team Triumph tribe and our phenomenal coaches—Julia, Mike, Klara, and Gabi. Special thanks to Julia for securing my entry into Ironman Tremblant 70.3.

This race was more than a physical feat; it was a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the human spirit. Ironman Tremblant 70.3 is a lifetime memory that I will cherish forever.

Brad Vlaming