When stories are told of Ironman Mont-Tremblant, we hear of strong athletes, record-breaking pace times and amazing feats of willpower.

What we often don’t hear about is the team behind those amazing finish-line stories. As the new race director of the Ironman Mont-Tremblant series, Pauline Alix plans to highlight every aspect of this summer’s events.

Pauline sees triathlon as a team sport. While she celebrates every athlete who pins on a race-bib, she notes that, “No one gets to the finish line on their own. Community, volunteers and athletes. Race day in Mont-Tremblant is a team effort.”

She is focused on making race day memorable for every participant on both sides of the finish line, and yet in her rookie year as race director Pauline takes on what is expected to be the largest athlete participation in the Mont-Tremblant series since inception. This month, Ironman Mont-Tremblant 70.3 and the 5150 event will host upwards of 4,500 athletes. Ironman Mont-Tremblant in August is predicted to be sold out, as well.

The journey to leadership

Although she is unique as a young mother directing the crown jewel of Canada’s Ironman race series, Pauline has followed a path to this role similar to that of others. She learned by doing.

Supported by a strong team of community leaders, Pauline has worked in every aspect of Ironman Mont-Tremblant over the past decade.

Seasoned run course director Jacynthe Martin mentored her from her first days as a volunteer. “Pauline was my right hand for years. There is no quit in her. She gets the job done, regardless of the effort required.” Likewise, in her years spent with bike course director Lucie Lamy, she learned every facet of the course. “Pauline is curious, she loves to learn and knows how to work hard,” relates Lucie.

Ironman Group leadership concurs. Dave Christen, senior regional director for Ironman Group, relates that, “Pauline worked her way to the top, and we are delighted to have her at the helm of the Ironman Mont-Tremblant race series.”

Community is core

Pauline’s life partner Max Lambert admires her commitment to their young family and supports her strong work ethic and community focus, “I watched Pauline race at Ironman Lake Placid 70.3 in 2017. I see that same fierce determination in her new role on the other side of the finish line.” Myrianne Côté, lead coach at Tri Connexion concurs, saying, “As an athlete, Pauline learned to trust her training and herself. Her strong self-discipline will serve her well in this new role.”

Dominique Laverdure, conseillère for Ville de Mont- Tremblant, relates, “Pauline is driven, passionate and goal-oriented. She’s a team player, and you can count on her for fun, accountability and results.”

Pauline’s sister Clémence Alix expressed the pride her family has in Pauline’s achievements and echoes the sentiment of many community members: “Pauline is us,” she says. “She represents our community and is focused on ensuring that race day celebrates everyone.”

“Community involvement is the foundation of our success,” confirms Lina Chiasson, the new volunteer experience director for Ironman Mont-Tremblant.

Pauline adds: “Being a strong woman is very important to me, but doing it all on my own is not. You are only as good as your team, and we’ve got the best, here in Mont-Tremblant.”

ironman.com/im703-mont-tremblant

ironman.com/im-mont-tremblant

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