Having already won the Inverse competition (a long-standing partner of the event) in 2023, the Triathlon Tenacity Team from Charleroi has once again secured the title of the most represented club at the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon this year. Logan Brun, President of Triathlon Tenacity Team Charleroi, reflects on the team spirit and camaraderie that unite the members of his club around this unique adventure.
With 110 athletes registered for the 20th edition, 3T Charleroi will set a new all-time participation record.
There will be over a hundred of members from Triathlon Tenacity Team taking part in the 20th edition of the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon. For a club founded just five years ago, that’s a fantastic achievement!
“Yes, the Triathlon Tenacity Team was founded just five years ago in Charleroi. Back then, we were three friends doing triathlons together. We wanted to train within a structure that offered high-quality coaching, with an annual training plan and group sessions to foster healthy competition and team spirit. We wanted to break the stereotype of the triathlete who trains alone for an Ironman and endures endless long solo sessions. We felt that this type of training can lead to demotivation and burnout. So we set up our own club and offered high-quality coaching and several group training sessions each week.
We now have around 300 adult members, plus about 40 young people. Last year, we set up a youth section to meet the demand. The Charleroi region is very active in triathlon. The Open Lake is a race held nearby that attracts around 4,000 participants every year. It really boosts the local clubs!
3T is open to everyone. We have beginners as well as world-class athletes. We also have a Performance Team for elite triathletes. But we make sure that everyone mixes, interacts and shares experiences. We want to create a real sense of community and a motivating spirit for everyone. It’s working, as nearly a third of the club will be at Alpe d’Huez this year!”
Why are you coming to the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon this year with your club?
“Since 3T first took part three years ago, several club members have come every year to compete in the race because the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is quite simply one of the most beautiful races in France, thanks to the atmosphere, the quality of the organisation, the scenery and the quality of the course. As the event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, we wanted to come as a group to mark the occasion.
At the end of the season, we always run a poll asking our members to choose from several races we suggest. Last year, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon received the most votes… so here we are with over a hundred members signed up! Some come for the challenge of the L distance, a distance they’ve never run before, whilst others have signed up for the M because they’re beginners. We also have athletes who come to compete for a place in the overall rankings, such as Jeanne Dupont, who has already finished on the podium at Alpe d’Huez.”
How did you manage the preparation within the club and the logistics of the trip? Have you planned any time together once you’re at Alpe d’Huez?
“We train as a group all season long in specific sessions. We also organise team-building weekends, training camps, and drinks after training to maintain motivation, team spirit and camaraderie. We prepare together before the race, we meet up at the race, we support one another, we cheer each other on. We really bring a collective dimension to an individual discipline.
Once we’re there, we organise group activities. For example, we go to collect our race numbers together and take a group photo. We also do a group reconnaissance of the running route. However, we give everyone the freedom to travel to the event independently and choose their own accommodation, as we all have different preferences.”
Is winning the Inverse competition, which rewards the triathlon club with the highest number of participants, important for Triathlon Tenacity Team?
“It wasn’t a goal in itself, even though we did think about it a bit, but it’s clearly great! Our main aim was to bring together as many club members as possible and introduce our members to this race, which is really worth doing. We know that everyone will enjoy themselves and make the most of the experience. The Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is iconic. It’s a must-do race that every triathlete should have completed at least once in its sporting career.”
INVERSE PRIZES
- A giant jersey in the Triathlon Tenacity Team colours will be displayed at all 21 bends throughout the event.
- An official INVERSE ceremony featuring all club members entered in the 20th edition, held in the heart of the Expo Village.
