January 16, 2006 – Les Épreuves de la Coupe du monde Cycliste Feminine won its battle today against Velo Québec in the Quebec Supreme Court. The lawsuit between the two parties was based on the use of the name, Le Tour de Grand Montreal.

Daniel Manibal, the President and General Director of the Épreuves de la Coupe du Monde Cycliste Féminine, was relieved to receive the judgment. His event – an international women’s road race which kicks off with the UCI’s World Cup on Mont Royal and is followed by a stage race – can now continue with its planning for upcoming seasons. The essence of the battle was a perceived conflict with the name of Manibal’s Le Tour de Grand Montreal, which Velo Quebec claimed caused confusion with their event entitled, The Tour de l’Ile de Montreal.

The battle has simmered since 2002 when the lawsuit was first filed by Velo Quebec. In his ruling, the Honourable Judge Brian Riordan stated that, “”¦while some may see similarities in the two names, important differences uphold the right of Les Épreuves de la Coupe du monde Cycliste Feminine to maintain their name. It is clear that the Tour de Grand Montreal is of interest to fans of competitive cycling. The Tour de l’Ile resembles more of a parade than a race.” Judge Riordan also noted that “”¦Velo Quebec’s event is more often referred to as Le Tour de l’Ile in the greater Montreal region. It’s difficult to imagine that the public would not notice an obvious change of name such as the substitution of Grand Montreal for l’Ile de Montreal.”

In his closing remarks Judge Riordan stated his desire that “…both parties continue to dialogue not only in order to co-exist peacefully, but for the advancement of cycling as a whole.”