Hugo, Michael, Antoine, Guillaume, thank you for everything you have just given us and, above all, our congratulations for what you have just accomplished in the last few weeks at the Tour de France.
Posted at 11:00 a.m.
You have aroused passions in Quebec lately. With reason.
Your participation in this 109e Tour de France has demonstrated to the world that the riders here are capable of making the weight. You have asserted yourselves as accomplished riders on the prestigious UCI WorldTour circuit. The world cycling event of the year was historic for Canada and Quebec this year, thanks to you and your tenacity.
Hugo, what a remarkable performance! You kept us in suspense all along the last kilometers of this 16e step that will be etched in our memories. A stage victory changes everything… First of all for you, but also for local cycling too. Thank you and well done!
The sports world only had eyes for you. You have moved us, inspired us and made us dream. We were filled with pride. With reason.
Today, the Tour de France is over. You will pursue your careers and your dreams in full light.
Today, then again tomorrow and the next day, as for years already, our team will continue to participate in the promotion of your sport which inspires and excites us. Again, we will support you, as well as the next generation, to continue to grow local cycling. The demonstration has just been made. Everything is possible thanks to hard work, a will and an iron discipline, but also thanks to the essential support of several decades of committed and passionate actors.
PHOTOGONZALO FUENTES, REUTERS
Quebecer Antoine Duchesne, during the 20e stage of the Tour de France
It is with immense joy and excitement that the cycling community awaits you next September, with your teammates and the world cycling elite, at our races in Quebec and Montreal. The action, adrenaline and emotion of the last few weeks, we will soon have the privilege of experiencing them all together, at home, in our streets, before our eyes.
The Canadian team, in which you once raced, will join you in the peloton again this year. This allows them to live a unique and privileged WorldTour experience, then to follow in your footsteps and get closer to their dream of reaching the ultimate circuit. Our young Canadian and Canadian athletes, Hope and Elite, will certainly be keen to surpass themselves before your eyes, and in turn demonstrate their talent at the Critérium National de Montréal. The public is waiting for you and will come in large numbers to greet you, encourage you and we will celebrate cycling like never before!
PHOTO ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Quebec cyclists Guillaume Boivin (right) and English Owain Doull, during the 17e stage of the Tour de France
The local cycling ecosystem has much to be proud of! Together, by contributing in one way or another to the emancipation of sport, we propel new athletes like you, with vision and perseverance.
Today, your Tour de France is over. It is now the turn of female athletes to undertake it and we hope that history will repeat itself. With good reason, so that local cycling continues to grow and inspire.
Magdeleine, Olivia and Simone, we are behind you. Simone, things are off to a strong start in Paris with your eighth position! Hat.
Gentlemen, see you in September.
Long live the bike!