Two athletes from 14 Wing Greenwood delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Canadian Armed Forces National Triathlon Championships, held in Quebec City June 27 to 28. Both competed in a Sprint Triathlon field of 318 athletes, one of several race categories contested during the Challenge CAP Québec weekend.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Travis and Master Warrant Officer Andrew Grove both competed in the 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and five-kilometre run, completed the demanding course in just over an hour. Travis finishing in 1:07 and Grove crossed the line in 1:08.
The championship was contested on the Challenge CAP Québec course, one of the premier triathlon venues in Canada. Athletes swam in the historic Bassin Louise marina, surrounded by sailboats and the backdrop of Old Quebec. The bike course featured a fast route through the city and onto the Dufferin-Montmorency corridor, while the run course wound through the waterfront and historic sections of Quebec City. All of it showcased many of the UNESCO World Heritage city landmarks and offered athletes a memorable race experience.
Race day conditions were nearly perfect, with overcast skies and temperatures around 14°C, providing ideal conditions for endurance racing.
The event began with a mass-start swim for all CAF competitors. The athletes charged into the water together, with the opening minutes resembling a familiar “washing machine” chaos, before the field began to spread out approximately 200 metres into the swim.
A strong swimmer, Travis exited the water with the lead pack after drafting some of the fastest swimmers in the race. Grove emerged shortly afterward with a chase pack and immediately began working through the field on the bike.
The bike course was relatively flat but featured several punchy climbs while transitioning onto the elevated highway sections. Grove steadily advanced through competitors during the cycling leg, while Travis maintained a strong position near the front of the race.
The final five-kilometre run proved equally fast and flat, rewarding athletes who could maintain pace and composure after the swim and bike segments. Both Greenwood competitors dug deep to preserve their positions through the finish line.
Their efforts paid off.
Both Greenwood athletes stood atop the podium in their respective Challenge CAP Québec age-group divisions. Travis won the 50 to 54 category, while Grove captured first place in the 40 to 44 division. In the CAF National Championship standings, Travis earned gold in the Senior category (48+), and Grove earned silver in the Masters category (40 to 47), giving 14 Wing Greenwood two national championship podium finishes.
Beyond the competition itself, both athletes noted the exceptional camaraderie that exists within CAF sport.
“One of the best parts of these events is reconnecting with people from across the Canadian Armed Forces who share the same passion for sport and fitness,” says Grove. “You compete hard on the course, but there’s tremendous mutual respect and support among everyone involved. The atmosphere is incredibly positive and motivating.”
The performances also highlight the opportunities available through CAF sports, which provide members with avenues to challenge themselves physically, represent their units and regions, and build connections across the military community.
Greenwood carries triathlon momentum into military development camp, open event
The Atlantic Region triathlon community is now preparing to host two events at 14 Wing Greenwood in August.
August 24 to 28, the CAF Atlantic Region Triathlon Development Camp is designed specifically for beginner triathletes looking to build confidence, develop skills and learn from experienced Canadian Armed Forces athletes, including military members who have competed at the CISM level. Register with your base’s PSP sports coordinator.
August 29, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.; the season will conclude with the 14 Wing RCAF Triathlon, a unique event where military and civilian athletes challenge themselves – and compete – in this one-of-a-kind race experience, set entirely on an operational Royal Canadian Air Force wing. Segments of the route will follow along the base runways and airfield, sure to be active with at-the-ready and operational aircraft. There are several race options: the sprint triathlon (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run), the try-a-tri (300 m swim, 11 km bike, 2.5-3 km run), relay teams (two or three people for the sprint triathlon distance), para open division (adaptive equipment permitted), and the command team challenge (14 Wing units’ head-to-head relay and fitness challenge). This is a Triathlon NS race series event, with chip timing, on course aid stations, finisher medals and an awards ceremony. Register now
