You’ll be familiar with their faces; some of you see them every weekend in the four corners of Quebec, and some of you have been seeing them for years. Always there to ensure your safety, often present to remind you of the rules at pre-race meetings and sometimes, to your dismay, also to enforce the rules and impose (very few) penalties, Triathlon Québec officials play a major role in the running of events. Through this series of portraits, we’d like to introduce you to the men and women behind the whistle. Who knows, it might even inspire you to join the team!
Official for Triathlon Québec since 2013 and CTO level since 2017, technical director of the federation for eight years, we are pleased to introduce you to one of the leading figures among Québec officials, Éric Noël.
Triathlon Québec : Hello Éric, could you start by introducing yourself?
Éric Noël: Eric Noël and I’m a proud Rosemontois, now called a Rosepatrien, according to the city of Montreal’s new official appellation. I’m in my late 30s and have been a Continental Triathlon Official (CTO) since 2017. I’m currently working with the Podium Productions team. Among other things, we organize the Copley Group World Triathlon, which will host the World Sprint Triathlon and Relay Championships in 2022. I act as race director, which is quite a challenge! I’m also site director for the Distrix Festival and the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, which take place at the Place des Festivals in Montreal. I’m also Returning Officer for the Rosemont riding for the provincial elections, which will also take place in 2022.
Before joining Podium Productions, I spent eight years as Technical Director for Triathlon Québec. So I know a lot of events all over Quebec. As for sport, I run when I have time. I also played field hockey in my younger days. I also did a few triathlons and duathlons before joining Triathlon Québec. My weak point is definitely swimming!
Triathlon Québec: It’s easy to say that you’re very involved in Quebec sport! How many years have you been an official for Triathlon Québec, and what prompted you to become one?
Éric Noël: I’ve been an official since 2013. I started out with little knowledge of triathlon and have learned a lot from other officials. A special thank you to Lise Dubé, Eric Prégent, Pierre Jeannotte and Yan Therrien, who gave me an exceptional welcome as an official when I joined Triathlon Québec. I owe them a debt of gratitude. It was by watching them and asking questions that I learned “the job” of an official. We saw each other almost every weekend, and we really were a great team.
Having been with TQ, let’s just say that the progression was exponential. I’ve officiated at over 250 events since 2013, including more than twenty at international level as a sector official, but also as a technical delegate (Chicago, Bermuda, Abu Dhabi, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Sarasota, Richmond, Banyoles, etc.). I also like anything out of the ordinary, such as paratriathlon, mixed team relay, elimination format, special formats, etc.
I then took the national level training in 2015 and continued towards the continental level in 2017. I recertified in the summer of 2021. But let’s just say that right now it’s been pretty slow in terms of events since the start of the pandemic.
Triathlon Québec: Can you tell us a little more about what inspired you to become a triathlon official?
Éric Noël: I didn’t really have a choice with my position at TQ! But I loved the experience so much that I’m still involved even though I’m no longer on the job. The atmosphere at the events and the bonds I’ve forged with both the officials and the organizing committees definitely encourage me to continue as an official.
Triathlon Québec: After 250 triathlon events, what still motivates you to be an official every weekend?
Éric Noël: The call of Tim Hortons at 5 a.m. or ice cream the night before the event is priceless! I love the idea of teaming up with the organizing committee to deliver the best possible event on the day. Organizing an event is extremely difficult. You need everyone working in the same direction to deliver the best possible experience for participants. This motivates me to keep going.
Triathlon Québec: What qualities do you think make a good Triathlon Québec official?
Éric Noël: Quebec officials are renowned for being excellent officials. In addition to having probably the best training program in the country, Quebec officials are proactive and dedicated. In my opinion, that’s the strength of the Quebec team.
As an official, you always have to see two or three shots in advance. If you say to yourself “hmmm, there’s a risk of this situation happening…” well, it’s bound to happen! So it’s best to deal with the problem right away, because problems always end up coming back to us, the officials. So you have to be proactive. You also have to work as a team with the organizing committee. The event belongs to them, and we’re there to help them deliver the best possible show. Collaboration is therefore very important in building a relationship of trust.
Triathlon Québec: As someone who has travelled the length and breadth of la belle province, what’s your favourite triathlon event?
Éric Noël: A trick question for the Quebec event! Every event has its strong point. I could say Nicolet, Joliette, Victoriaville, Magog, Montreal, Sorel-Tracy, Valleyfield or Quebec City, all for different reasons. I never go to an event backwards.
Internationally, I’d say the World Series in Bermuda. I’ve been there twice and the atmosphere is incredible for such a small island of 63,000 inhabitants. I think everyone is there. The backdrop of pink houses makes for a beautiful backdrop. Unfortunately, the event has been cancelled again in 2021.
Triathlon Québec: Can you give us one or more reasons for becoming a triathlon official?
Éric Noël: The pleasure of getting up in the wee hours of the morning! It’s great to be able to give the participants a thrill. I’ve seen athletes rise through the ranks from the U15 category to the highest levels. The local level is extremely important for the development of athletes, and the role of officials is also to give developing athletes the experience of competition. It’s part of the learning process. That’s one of the reasons I’m so motivated.
Triathlon Québec: With all these events under your belt, you must have a little anecdote to share with us?
Éric Noël: Oh my! You should write them all down so you don’t forget any – you could write a book! I could say a few:
I’m sure there will be dozens more to come over the next few years!
Triathlon Québec: We hope so, because we’re counting on you to continue your involvement despite your new duties! Thank you Éric for this interview and enjoy the event in Abu Dhabi!
