March 16, 2010 (Quebec City, QC) – The 25th edition of Quebec City’s Salon Info-Vélo bike show from March 12-14 saw 13,942 visitors versus some 11,500 in 2009 who took in 135 exhibits at this year’s show. “Those are real numbers,” said organizer Jean-Yves Labonté. With Quebec City claiming about 500,000 residents Labonté was happy with attendance including some from out of town.

“The Salon Info-Velo is one of the best bike shows,” commented Michel Onsow who made the trip from Montreal. “The stuff on display was all top of the line.”

With no admission fees or merchandise for sale the Quebec City bike show offers a different formula than other consumer bike shows in Montreal or Toronto. “Bike manufacturers worked with Quebec City retailers to display their products,” explained Labonté. “I didn’t accept requests from cell phone companies or credit card companies to have booths as those products have no real place at a bike show.”

The show is intended to provide information about cycling hence the name “Info-Vélo” and apparently local retailers are reporting business as a result of their presence at the show. Apart from bike shops various tourism operations also exhibited including the Magdalen Islands Tourism Association, Tourism Vermont, and the Auberge Harris in St. Jean sur Richelieu.

The distinct non-commercial flavour of the show is evident in other areas. For example bottled water sold for $2 and saw all proceeds support Labonté’s cycling team, Elicycle-Rocky Mountain. Prices for food match those in local restaurants and visitors can bring their own packed lunch. The Salon doesn’t have a web site either.

“I do this because I love cycling,” added Labonté who became involved with cycling at 15 and is now 72. He is credited with having organized some 600 bike races including two Canadian road cycling championships and 11 Quebec championships. During his career he has also coached many notable riders including Louis Garneau, David Boily, and David Veilleux.

The mountain bike races were organized on a 1.5km course outside the show but were not as successful as hoped likely due to a lack of publicity. Top Canadian local MTB rider Marie-Helene Premont fired the starter pistol at Sunday’s race. The MTB races will likely be back next year with an improved format. “The Salon kicks off the cycling season in Quebec City,” concluded Labonté.