June 27, 2006 (Saint-Augustin, QC) — For the fifth year, Louis Garneau is proud to present on August 13, 2006, the Classic Louis Garneau Montreal–Quebec, the longest and oldest bike race in North America. Sanctioned by the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) this 252-km race brings together many cyclists from all over Canada and the United States.

Last year’s race was a huge success with over 200 riders at the starting line. Dominique Rollin, then with Gypco-Télé-Annonces, won with a time of 4:56:11.

As a nationally sanctioned event cyclists can collect points toward their national ranking. To register, cyclists must hold a Senior 1-2-3 or Master A license.

This famous race was first organized in 1931 by Louis Quillicot who kept it going for approximately 10 years. Then, others took over like René Paquin (1955 to 1974), Frédérico Corneli (1988 to 1997) and, in 1999, the Impact Group organized the race. Since 2002, Louis Garneau and Jean-Yves Labonté revived to the race, now from Montreal to Quebec.

Once again, the race will start in front of the Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal and finish with a 2 km 15° grade climb on the chemin du Roy Road, in front of the Louis Garneau Factory in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (near Quebec City). This spectacular finish gives sprinters a chance to show their skills.

Vincenzo Meco is the Honorary President of the 58th Edition of the
Classic Louis-Garneau Montreal-Quebec.

At the age of fourteen, in Cormumello, Italy, Vincenzo Meco developed a passion for cycling. Throughout his career, he’s had great victories in Europe including the pink jersey at the Italy Tour in 1963 and the Nouvelle-France Tour in 1969.

At age of thirty-five in 1971, he won the Quebec-Anjou cyclist race, former name of the Classique Louis Garneau Montreal-Quebec. A year later, he crossed won again. In 1996, Vincenzo Meco decided to end his career. In 2000 he was inducted into at the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, and today, at the age of 65, he’s still passionate about cycling.

Challenge Louis-Garneau 2006 Québec-Trois-Rivières

Following the huge success of the Louis-Garneau Montreal-Quebec Classic over the last five years and in response to many requests by Women, Junior, Senior and Master cyclists, Louis Garneau announces the 1st edition of the Challenge Louis Garneau Québec-Trois-Rivières on August 12, 2006.

This national-level race is sanctioned by the CAA meaning competitors can collect points to improve their national ranking.

The Challenge will begin at 9am in front of the Louis Garneau Sports factory in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures and finish at the arena Jean-Guy Talbot in Trois-Rivières. The 109 km route is mostly flat.

Organizers forecast approximately 100 riders for this first edition. Registration is open to Junior, Senior or Master men and women categories.

“We are happy to sponsor a quality race not only for Elite cyclists, but also for Junior cyclists, tomorrow’s stars,” said Louis Garneau.