By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – This sixth annual event breaks wimps and builds beasts.
The Quest Strongman/Strongwoman 2015 competition drew 35 competitors on Saturday at Quest PTS in Cornwall, Ont.
Event organizer Tom Irvine says half of the participants were local, and the furthest out-of-towner travelled from Windsor. He opened the popular Montreal Road gym in 2004.
“I think the atmosphere keeps people coming back,” said Irvine. “Everyone’s working together, pushing each other, so it’s not a cut-throat competition.”
After placing third in the 2014 edition, Cornwall’s Mark Sicard won the men’s heavyweight (220 lbs. and over) class. The coveted title also came with a $1,000 cash prize.
“I’m a little surprised, but it feels great,” said the 31-year-old commercial artist.
Sicard started Olympic weight lifting five years ago, training out of Montreal. He’s been living in the Seaway City for over a year and is a coach at local gym Caveman Strong. To prepare for the competition, Sicard trained with Irvine and a crew of his co-workers.
“It’s all new for me,” he said. “I do have a base with lifting in terms of technique, but strongman is totally different – the implements are awkward, extra heavy and really hard to manipulate.”
In other Quest Strongman/Strongwoman news, George Capaldi won the middleweight (186-220 lbs.) class in a close-call and Cornwall’s Cameron David took top spot in the lightweight (under 185 lbs.) division. Val Gauthier, of Hull, Que., ruled the female class (no weight divisions), easily securing first place. Winners in these three classes were awarded $300 each.
