July 07, 2013 (Lac Megantic, QC) – On Saturday July 6th, at approximately 1am, a train loaded with at least 72 cars of crude oil derailed in Lac Megantic. The derailment has leveled at least 60% of the downtown core. When contacted by phone Denis Bolduc, race organizer and downtown store owner, mentioned that as a result of the train derailment, buildings on the north side of route 161 which goes through the downtown core of Lac Megantic (the top of the technical Criterium course) are reported to have been demolished, while  shops on the south side have thankfully been spared.

The team at Cycling Canada extends heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the community of Lac Megantic. In response to the crisis, Cycling Canada has put a Disaster Relief fund in place to contribute to the rebuilding of the downtown center that has played host to our Canadian Road Championships for the last few years. We now call upon the Canadian cycling community to join us in supporting our friends in this community

Cycling Canada will match the first $5,000 in donations. Please help us in our quest to rebuild the 6,000 inhabitant strong town that has embraced cyclists and cycling events since the inception of the renowned Tour de Beauce. Donate below!

To donate click here.