February 6, 2004 – It is with great pleasure that Louis Garneau, President of Louis Garneau Sports Inc., will organize, again this year, the oldest and longest bike race in North America. This year, the 250k race is sanctioned 1.14 by the Canadian Cycling Association. Cyclists from all over Canada and the United States will participate in the 56th edition of the longest amateur bike race in North America on Sunday, August 8, 2004.

This famous race was organized for the first time in 1931 by Louis Quillicot who kept it going until 1954.  After, others took over like René Paquin (1954 to 1972), Frédérico Cornelli (1988 to 1997) and, in 1999, the Impact Group organized the race that Charles Dionne won.

After a two year hiatus (2000-2001), Louis Garneau decided in 2002 to revive this race and, to emphasize the revival, instead of departing from Quebec, it starts from Montreal in front of the Maurice-Richard Arena (Montreal) and ends, after a 2k, 15-degree climb on Chemin du Roy Road in front of the Louis Garneau Factory in St-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec). This spectacular finish gives sprinters a chance to show their skills.

The race is open to Elite 1, 2 and 3 racers. The first place winner will receive a cash award of $2,000 and the first 25 racers to finish will share a purse totalling $10,000. The Cascades Sprint, with a cash award of $1,000, will take place in mid-course. Admission fee is $40 per athlete.

We would like to thank our great partners:  Cascades Inc., La Ville de Québec, and Chlorophylle for their generous sponsorship. Without their valuable support, this great event could not be held.