More than 18,000 cyclists parade through the streets of Montreal on Sunday, on the occasion of the 39e edition of the traditional Tour de l’île.
The start was given around 9:30 a.m. on avenue du Parc, at the corner of avenue du Mont-Royal.
Once the signal was given, participants of all ages mounted their horses before setting off into the deserted streets.
The 50-kilometer route will cross Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie, Outremont, Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Westmount, Le Sud-Ouest, Lachine, Verdun and Ville- Married.
At the head of the peloton, Josée Lafrenière waited for the kick-off with her daughter. The duo is far from their first participation in the major cycling event.
“I’ve been participating for at least 25 years. When I started, there were 3,000 people,” she explains.
The contrast was particularly striking at the Tour at night, which attracted no less than 17,000 participants on Friday. “It took us an hour and a half to leave! », she exclaims.
Their helmets adorned with artificial flowers, Larian Hernandez and Andrea Estacio were also waiting near the starting line.
“We didn’t cycle before arriving here,” says M.me Hernandez. Originally from Venezuela, the two friends arrived in Montreal eight years ago.
For them, the event is an opportunity to enjoy the metropolis in complete safety. “It’s the opportunity to take ownership of the city,” she emphasizes.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VÉLO QUÉBEC
Map of closed streets of the Tour de l’île
“It’s important to have an event that is accessible for all ages, but also for all levels,” says the general director of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault.
This year, participants have the choice between four courses of 28 km, 50 km, 68 km and 100 km. Children are also present in large numbers – around 20% of participants are under 12 years old.
“There are people for whom it is the first time that they are going to drive in town or that they are going to drive such a long distance,” underlines Mr. Rheault.
Today, the event enjoys a reputation that transcends borders. “I spoke to people from Rhode Island, Pittsburgh, Boston… It’s a unique event in North America,” he rejoices.
Despite the obstacles, several major arteries remain open to traffic, such as Sherbrooke Street, the Ville-Marie tunnel and the area north of Jean-Talon.
The City of Montreal recommends that motorists avoid the Victoria Bridge.