PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The start was given around 8:30 p.m., shortly after sunset, and continued for a long time, with many cyclists getting on their mounts once the sun’s glow had completely disappeared. The 24 km route began towards the north, on avenue du Parc, at the corner of avenue du Mont-Royal, before branching off towards the city center then heading towards the Sud-Ouest borough, where the Cyclists went along the Lachine Canal to the Saint-Rémi tunnel.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
There were a large number of young people on the starting line. No less than 30% of participants were under 25 years old and 20% were under 12 years old. “It’s often a first opportunity to cycle such a long distance in the city. The crowd, the lights, it gives them the energy to surpass themselves, underlines the general director of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault. Events like this help people surpass themselves. »
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Already a third participation in the Tour at night for Sylvie Cholette and Réal Vurelle, who see it as a great opportunity to share their passion for cycling with their grandson, Arnaud Giroux. “Since he came last year, he has told us that he can’t wait to come back!” said the grandmother. Next year, his sister will be the same age as him, but I already told my daughter that we were going to need another adult to manage and she replied: “It won’t be me !” »
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
As long as they had pedals, all mounts were allowed, regardless of the size of their wheels!
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Among the veterans participating in the Tour at night, we find Réal Tremblay, a volunteer mechanic enlisted 32 years ago. “The first time I showed up for the Tour de l’île, I had my bag with my tools and I spent my time repairing bikes even though I wasn’t a volunteer! So I said to myself: I might as well get on board. » Among the glitches he commonly fixes: flat tires, poorly adjusted brakes and derailleurs rolled up in a spoke. “The idea is to be able to tinker so that people can finish the trick. » Passionate about his role, he doesn’t worry about finishing among the last. “Last year, I was halfway through and they were reopening the streets,” he laughs.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
According to registrations, 30% of participants came from outside Montreal and 5% from outside Quebec, the rest of Canada and the United States. “It helps position the image as a party and cycling destination,” explains the general director of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault. “It’s a unique event because of its festive side, with the illuminations. »
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
For a second year, actress Julie Ringuette lent her voice to the event as spokesperson. Met while she was filling her mount with lights of all kinds, she confided in her discovery of a new passion. “Last year, my two daughters were 2 and 4 years old. I came with my husband and I lost it. » “When I was approached this year to be co-spokesperson again, I said: not only am I on board, but I’m doing it as a single parent,” she says shortly before rushing off, pulling a cart where his kids sit.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
But what motivates so many people to hop on their horses and ride among the crowds? “It’s the festive aspect of being with family,” explains Leyla Larja, who came with her son Milan, their neighbor Louis Le Grand, the two young people Diana and Carla and her friend, Cédric Chaperon. “The immense flow of people at night. There are no more red lights, people are driving,” adds the latter.