Snow Pentathlon 2026: The Englobe Québec Team Secures an Inspiring 4th Place, Less Than One Minute from the Podium

On February 20, 2026, on the Plains of Abraham in Québec City, our Englobe team delivered a performance that perfectly reflects our discipline and cohesion. With a total time of 1 h 16 min 31 s, we finished 4th out of 31 teams, less than a minute from the podium. 

This edition marks our 4th consecutive participation in the Snow Pentathlon and our second straight year placing 4th. Our ambition for next year is clear: aim for the podium. 

Behind this result was a flawlessly executed relay by five colleagues from the Québec City office, each responsible for a key segment: 

• Cycling (6.0 km) — David Desrochers
• Snowshoeing (3.0 km) — William Carmichael
• Speed skating (4.3 km / 12 laps) — Geneviève Lemieux
• Cross-country skiing (5.4 km) — Martin Fleury
• Running (3.0 km) — Mathieu Béland 

We also want to highlight the long-term commitment of David, Geneviève, and William, who now have four participations in four editions.

Our Athletes in Action: Five Courses, One Team Spirit

Beyond the competitive aspect, it was true team cohesion that carried our group throughout the course. Meet the members who made this edition a collective success and discover how each experienced the event in their own words.

David Desrochers — Cycling Event (6 km)

Engineer, Geotechnics

“To me, the Pentathlon is an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful day outdoors with colleagues with whom we build strong bonds. We give our best for the team and showcase our great company. I truly value physical activity and winter sports, and the Pentathlon is the perfect event to bring those values to life. I invest a lot of time in my physical fitness, so the Pentathlon prep comes naturally since I already cycle a lot. The 2026 edition was a success, and we’ll keep great memories of it, just like every year!”

David’s Key Impact on the Start

David launched the team with energy and strategy, setting the pace from the very first kilometers. His consistency and technique ensured a fast transition for the next segment.

William Carmichael — Snowshoe Event (3 km)

Engineer-in-Training, Geotechnics

“Wearing Englobe’s colors at the Pentathlon makes me really proud. We get to know each other as colleagues, we forge bonds beyond our usual work teams, and we leave with memories that we can share together for years to come.”

William: Consistency That Drives the Team Forward

William maintained impressive speed despite shifting terrain conditions. He embodies the endurance that defines our team.

Geneviève Lemieux — Speed Skating Event (4.3 km) 

Senior Project Manager, Geoenvironment 

“I was thrilled when Englobe joined the corporate Pentathlon four years ago, as I’ve been an enthusiastic Snow Pentathlon participant for over a decade. Coming together in this new context allowed us to build relationships with colleagues from other departments whom we don’t see as often. Over the years, it also challenged us to look for new talent to join the team.” 

A Precise and Efficient Performance from Geneviève 

Her flawless execution of the 12 laps on the ice track kept the pace steady and efficient. A masterful demonstration of control.

Martin Fleury — Cross-Country Skiing Event (5.4 km) 

Senior Project Manager, Environmental Studies & Climate Change 

“I was offered at the last minute to join Englobe for the corporate Pentathlon, and I had a memorable day. It was both a great physical challenge and a fun opportunity to push myself alongside colleagues I don’t often see outside of work. Truly an amazing experience that I’m eager to repeat.” 

Martin’s Mastery on Skis: Control and Efficiency 

With fluid, efficient technique, Martin made up valuable time on the climbs and maintained speed downhill. A beautifully executed segment.

Mathieu Béland — Running Event (3 km) 

Senior Project Manager, Environmental Studies & Climate Change 

“I decided to join the Pentathlon to spend quality time with colleagues while tackling a shared athletic challenge. I really enjoyed the experience: I got to know some truly interesting teammates I hadn’t worked with much before. Plus, we performed extremely well, and I plan on signing up again next year to try to beat this years’ time!” 

Mathieu: A Strong Pace to Close the Race 

Mathieu crossed the finish line with determination, sustaining a powerful pace until the very last meter. A solid conclusion to the race.

We sincerely congratulate our athletes on their performance and sportsmanship. Their discipline, calm under pressure, and solidarity throughout the race reflect the same high standards we bring to our clients and communities. We are very proud of you.

But what is the Snow Pentathlon? 

The Snow Pentathlon is billed as Canada's largest outdoor winter event, held on the iconic Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. Participants compete in five disciplines without stopping the clock: running, cycling, snowshoeing, skating, and cross-country skiing. 

Several formats are available—solo, tandem, or teams of 3 to 5—making the event accessible to families, corporate teams, and athletes of all levels. 

The site includes a 358-meter ice rink used for the skating event, as well as carefully designed courses to accommodate a wide range of participants.

Beyond the competition, the Snow Pentathlon is a winter celebration based on community, inclusion, and the joy of movement. It offers a motivating way to stay active during the winter and fully embrace Quebec's northern identity. 

Recent editions have also raised over $90,000 to support physical activity programs for young people, demonstrating the event's tangible social impact. 

With its multiple courses, the Pentathlon welcomes children, adults, people with disabilities, amateurs, and elite athletes. There's a place for everyone.

At the heart of success: teamwork for quick transitions and optimal performance 

Beyond individual performance, it was truly the team's coordination that made for such a smooth relay. Each transition was managed with precision thanks to a clear strategy established in advance. One person was responsible for quickly removing and putting on the bib for the next member, another took care of the chip to ensure it was securely attached before the start of the next segment, and a third captured key moments in photos to immortalize everyone's effort and energy. 

This support trio eliminated any confusion, avoided unnecessary time losses, and kept each baton pass as quick as possible. This organization had a real impact on overall performance by creating a consistent pace throughout the event. This demonstrates once again that the Pentathlon is not just a physical test: it is an exercise in logistics, communication, and solidarity where every action counts—even for those who are not currently competing.

When team sports become a driver of cohesion and performance in the workplace 

Participating in a major event such as the Snow Pentathlon requires much more than just physical fitness. You have to know how to prepare, manage pressure, stay focused despite changing conditions, and work in perfect harmony with your teammates. This type of challenge nurtures essential qualities: discipline, consistency, listening, and adaptability. 

And these lessons go far beyond the realm of sports. They are directly reflected in our daily professional lives by strengthening team dynamics, communication, and trust. They also stimulate autonomy, leadership, and stress management. For companies, these experiences create more cohesive teams, a richer collaborative culture, and a natural alignment around common goals. 

That's why, at Englobe, we fully support initiatives that promote health, well-being, and community involvement. Across the country, this type of sporting activity strengthens cohesion among our teams, fosters a safety-oriented culture, and creates positive momentum that is reflected in our projects.

Our team's performance exemplifies what defines Englobe: committed, supportive individuals guided by kindness, ready to give their best in all environments—even the most demanding ones. Their dedication to the course reflects the same rigor and passion they bring to serving our clients and communities, day after day. 

Congratulations once again to all the participants for their inspiring performance. Your commitment makes Englobe shine and fills us with pride.

📷 Louis Charland 📷 Dominic Courchesne