March 26, 2013 (Quebec City, QC) – On June 23, 2013, the Côte-de-Beaupré will host a prestigious world-class cycling event: the Grand Fondo Mont-Sainte-Anne, Québec. Spanning two days and with three different routes, this cycling event, which is open to all, will take place for the first time on the panoramic roads and winding hills along the Saint Lawrence River in Côte-de-Beaupré. Some 2,000 cyclists are expected for this first edition.
Mélanie Turgeon, world downhill skiing champion, Olympic athlete and former member of the Club du Mont-Sainte-Anne, has agreed to hop on a bike to raise awareness of the latest in the Gran Fondo series. “I’m very familiar with Mont-Sainte-Anne, since I skied there for many years. I even have the honour of having a run named after me! But when I ride the hilly course of the Gran Fondo, I’ll be sure to keep my eyes wide open so I don’t miss anything in the landscape. I’m delighted to contribute to raising awareness of the beautiful Côte de Beaupré region,” said the retired athlete, who is now a corporate speaker and mental performance coach to athletes.
Sébastien Roy, one of the Gran Fondo Mont-Sainte-Anne’s founders and co-owner of the Château Mont-Sainte-Anne hotel, has dreamed for several years of bringing his own Gran Fondo to the region. “Since I’m a fan of cycling myself,” he said, “I knew that the terrain in the region, the beauty of the surrounding area and the tortuous route would be strong points in our favour. I’m sure cyclists will love it and I encourage them to sign up now and follow our online training plan so they’ll be ready to ride.”
What is a Gran Fondo?
Gran Fondo means “big ride” in Italian. It’s synonymous with escape, challenge and performance. The term Gran Fondo is used in Europe, the United States as well as in Canada. It’s a celebration of cycling that always takes place in breathtakingly beautiful settings, hence the choice of Mont-Sainte-Anne and its stunning views of the Saint Lawrence. For this first edition, organizers are presenting three circuits: the 55-kilometre Piccolo Fondo, the 115-kilometre Medio Fondo and the 160-kilometre Alto Fondo. Spaces are limited.
Register HERE now.
The historic route
Cyclists will have the opportunity to take one of the earliest roads in New France and follow in the footsteps of North America’s first settlers. There will be three different circuits and a substantial challenge on the winding roads and hills that arise out of the Montmorency/Laurentian massif leading down to the majestic Saint Lawrence.
Château Mont-Sainte-Anne: official hotel of the Gran Fondo
The only four-star hotel located at the foot of the gondola in Mont-Sainte-Anne, the Château Mont-Sainte-Anne offers an attractive environment for athletes. The sleek, modern comfort of the newly renovated rooms, coupled with the wide range of services such as the spa, swimming pools, four-season whirlpools, fitness room, games and entertainment room, is sure to delight anyone who enjoys sports and physical activity.
Participate with friends, as a couple, in a team—or come solo! Visit HERE for more details about the categories, routes and accommodation.