Thousands of cyclists stormed the streets of the metropolis on Sunday morning for the 38e edition of the Tour de l’Île de Montréal. Many traffic obstructions are to be expected.
“This is my first time around the island. It will be my longest distance”, exclaims the young Frida Bishop Saldana, a few meters from the starting line. “She has a new bike, so she wanted to try it,” adds her father, David Bishop, at her side.
More than 17,000 cyclists are expected at the event. “For many people, it will be the first time they are going to ride 47 km or they are going to ride in town. It’s a really festive and accessible event for all ages, from 8 to 88,” said The Press the President and CEO of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault. Last year, the Island Tour attracted 19,000 participants.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The President and CEO of Vélo Québec, Jean-François Rheault
Yves Oaphanos will complete the journey with his grandson Jason, to pass on his passion for cycling to him. The resident of Montreal travels a hundred kilometers every Friday. Today, it will be more of a family outing. “It’s his first time,” said Mr. Oaphanos, looking at the smiling boy.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Yves Oaphanos and his grandson Jason Oaphanos
The official start of the Tour de l’île de Montréal was given at Parc Maisonneuve, at the corner of Boulevard Rosemont and 26e Avenue, at 9:15 a.m.
From 7:00 a.m., participants set off on the Tour de l’île Découverte course, including circuits between 50 and 100 km. However, cyclists ride in single file on streets open to car traffic. “They are accompanied by supervisors and instructors if they ever have a problem,” said Mr. Rheault.
Obstacles to be expected
It would be better to plan your itinerary on Sunday. Several major roads will be closed to automobile traffic from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
IMAGE PROVIDED BY VÉLO QUÉBEC
Route of the Tour de l’île de Montréal
Participants will take to the streets of seven boroughs and cities, namely Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Montréal-Nord, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux- Trembles, Anjou and Saint-Léonard, with expected impacts on traffic.
The 47 km route taken by cyclists includes, among others, avenue du Parc, rue Jarry Ouest, boulevards de l’Acadie, Gouin, Maurice-Duplessis, Henri-Bourrassa and Provencher, 35e Avenue and rue Viau.
To facilitate travel, Vélo Québec invites the public to use the application Wazewhich offers real-time information on the state of the courses.
Throughout the journey, volunteers, cadets and police will be present at the intersections of the blocked streets to direct motorists. They will be able to give, to those who wish, a map of the route and the bypasses.