July 10, 2013 (Montreal, QC) – The organizers of La Montréalaise Cyclosportive, which will be held on September 14, have decided to transfer the Start/Finish site of the recreational bike ride to the city of Candiac, on Montréal’s South Shore, because of significant logistical constraints related to the lift bridge at the Côte-Sainte-Catherine locks.
Priority is given to river traffic in the St. Lawrence Seaway, such that vessels passing through the Côte-Sainte-Catherine locks are guaranteed free and unimpeded passage; as a result, continuous free passage for cyclists entered in La Montréalaise would not be possible.
Although significant efforts were made by all stakeholders involved, the risk involved in holding up cyclists for extended periods of time to wait for vessels to pass is too great, and so the Start/Finish site could not be maintained on the Island of Montréal. The choice of a new Start/Finish site was made in order to provide all participants with ideal conditions, both in terms of host infrastructures and the running of the Cyclosportive.
An outstanding Start/Finish site
André-J.-Côté Park, in the city of Candiac, is ideally located on the South Shore of the St. Lawrence and offers one of the best views of Montréal’s skyline, factors which led the ride organizers to choose this attractive, outstanding site.
The invaluable collaboration of the city of Candiac and its mayor, Mr. Normand Dyotte, means optimum conditions for enjoyment of this celebration of sport for all participants. All services available to riders will be concentrated in André-J.-Côté Park and the immediate vicinity: vehicle parking for all, a secure bike parking area, changing rooms and the post-ride festive village.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Cyclosportive La Montréalaise, and we’re sure that everyone taking part will be delighted with our facilities,” Mayor Dyotte said, adding: “We can offer an exceptional site; it’s a one-of-a-kind green space on the shore of the St. Lawrence. We’ll be pulling out all the stops to ensure this first edition of the Cyclo is a memorable event.”
Two distances, two challenges: the 90 km Circuit du Paysan and the 155 km Covey Hill Course
Given the relocation of the Start/Finish site to Candiac, the organizers have seized the opportunity to make some changes to the courses offered, while maintaining the goals that they have embraced from the start: provide satisfying personal challenges for riders, in conditions of optimum safety and supervision. The intermediate ride distance of 145 km has therefore been eliminated. The La Montréalaise, like its sister race La Québécoise, will now consist of two distances, each of which will offer natural attractions and a diversity of athletic challenges that will meet the expectations of all participants in this all-new cyclosportive event.
The 90 km course is a loop offering a fine appreciation of Montérégie backcountry vistas, as it follows the initial roads of the Circuit du Paysan (Countryman’s Tour) into the heart of rural tradition in the upper St. Lawrence River Valley. Riders will enjoy hours of pleasure alone, in couples or in groups as the kilometres roll by, before returning to Candiac and its fine view of Montréal.
The longer-distance ride, which was initially to last 190 km, has been reduced to 155 km, which is still a daunting challenge for riders, who will follow the rustic Circuit du Paysan, ensuring their legs are in shape for the target in their sights: Covey Hill, not far from the U.S. border, topping out at 342 m. After the climb to the summit, they’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the river valley.
The full details of the courses (roads, feed stations, etc.) as well as start times will be available within the next few weeks at www.cyclosquebecoises.com.
Volunteers wanted
The organizers welcome motivated people with the right attitude and skills to join them in Québec City on September 12 and Candiac on September 14 to help make the Cyclosportives a great biking event for one and all. Those wishing to contribute to this major celebration are asked to contact the organizers via www.cyclosquebecoises.com.
Mark your calendar: La Montréalaise takes place on September 14, starting and finishing in André-J.-Côté Park in the City of Candiac!
About the Cyclos La Québécoise et La Montréalaise
The only mass-appeal recreational cycling events presented in conjunction with UCI WorldTour races in the Americas, the Cyclosportives take place on the eves of the Québec City and Montréal Grands Prix Cyclistes. La Québécoise features two ride distances of 85 and 140 km through country roads near Québec City on September 12, 2013, while La Montréalaise consists of 90 and 155 km courses winding through the Montérégie region on September 14, 2013. Each is recognized as a Grande Classique du Québec by the Québec Cycling Federation, and offers a challenge made for the individual plus cycling fun for all, amid some of Québec’s most magnificent landscapes.