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 awaits the kick-off with her daughter. The duo is far from their first participation in the great mass of cycling.
“I’ve been participating for at least 25 years,” she shares with pride. What has changed the most over all these years? “There are a lot more people,” she replies.
She particularly noticed it at the Tour la nuit, which this year attracted no less than 17,000 cyclists. “It took us an hour and a half to leave! », exclaims Mme Lafrenière.
Their helmets adorned with artificial flowers, Larian Hernandez and Andrea Estacio also wait near the starting line.
Originally from Venezuela, the two friends arrived in Montreal eight years ago. “We didn’t cycle before arriving here,” says M.me Hernandez.
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.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The general director of Vélo Québec, Jean-François 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.
Spokesperson for a second consecutive year, Julie Ringuette says she took up her role with enthusiasm. “I said: if you call me again next year, I’ll sulk! », laughs the actress.
She loved everything about her first experience, she says. “It’s family-friendly, safe. People go out on their balconies, put on music, encourage us. There is so much atmosphere! », she lists.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Julie Ringuette, spokesperson
The message she wants to send? “Let people know that it’s accessible for all age groups,” she replies.
Further on, Paul Deer takes a break in front of another participant’s camera. Here his big wheel bicycle is an attraction. “The photo is free!” », he says.
More than physical exercise, it is the opportunity to make the history of cycling known to the general public who bring it here every year.
“I walk around and answer questions,” says the man, dressed in period costume.
He is not the only one to have dressed up for the occasion. Some even make it a tradition.
Leaning on his mount, Benoit Durant hardly goes unnoticed in his red Santa Claus outfit. “Every year I have a different costume. It puts a smile on people’s faces,” he explains.
In daily life, people do most of their travel by bicycle. Does he feel safe on the streets of Montreal?
“There are definitely more complicated areas. North-south is easy. East-west is more complicated. I think there are still things to improve, but the effort is there,” he replies.
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.