February 28, 2019 (Montreal, QC) – Canadian businessman and cyclist, Sylvan Adams, has made a significant financial gift of two million dollars to complete the process needed for construction of the Bromont Velodrome’s new roof and upgrade of the National Cycling Center Bromont (CNCB) to a new multi-sport facility.
“After several laps, we are finally approaching the finish line,” commented André Michaud, president of the Quebec Federation of Cycling Sports (FQSC). “I wish to express my gratitude for this act of generosity. Sylvan, on behalf of all current and future cyclists, I thank you. Thanks to you, they will soon have access to an infrastructure worthy of their talent and their ambitions.”
Passionate about cycling, Sylvan Adams is also co-owner of the professional team Israel Cycling Academy, which has three Canadians on board including Guillaume Boivin, Benjamin Perry and Alex Catafore. Adams, who is a billionaire, also brought the Giro d’Italia to Israel. In fact, the Quebec businessman and philanthropist managed to convince the authorities involved to hold the three opening stages of the 2018 Giro in the Jewish state.
A real tour de force, Adams himself is an accomplished masters cyclist for both the road and track with 17 Quebec titles along with six Canadian, four Panamerican and two World titles.
Once completed, the new velodrome will be named in his honor. Thus, in Bromont, as in Tel Aviv, his adopted city, a velodrome will bear his name.
While more funds will be needed to complete the project, this new contribution allows it to take an important step. More than ever, Quebeckers can hope to ride on the track, protected from the weather, all year round. In a Nordic country, a roof on a velodrome is more a necessity than a luxury.
“Despite the lack of an adapted indoor facility, our athletes have persevered in their sport and managed to progress. Some have even managed to shine on the international stage. In these conditions, their performances are all the more remarkable. And soon, they will have an installation worthy of the name, here in Quebec,” commented Michaud.
“We must obviously highlight the extraordinary work done by the team of the National Center of National Cycling Bromont which is led by Nicolas Legault… they have worked miracles,” he added.
This fall it will be 30 years since the dismantling of the Montreal Olympic velodrome. Relocated to Bromont in 2001, the Atlanta Games track has filled some of the void left by the Olympic velodrome’s disappearance, but without roof, the solution was only temporary. Soon, Quebec riders will have a real home… with a roof.