July 16, 2018 (Val-d’Or, QC) – Severe thunderstorms hit the city of Val-d’Or in the late afternoon forcing organizers to cancel the presentation of the Challenge Sprint, which was to take place in front of the City Hall.

This event does not count for the Tour’s official ranking but is part of promoting the sport and presenting the riders to the public and fans.

The decision was made shortly after 6 pm, less than 30 minutes before the start of the event. According to Bruno Gauthier, technical director of the Tour, the meteorologists did not suggest anything too positive until 9pm.

“This is a joint decision made with the Commissaires. When there is lightning, it becomes dangerous for riders as well as volunteers and fans,” explained Gauthier.

“Under these conditions, we prefer to cancel the race as it’s a demonstration event, which does not count for the Tour and does not change the situation for Tuesday’s start. I spoke with several team directors, and everyone said the same thing,” added Gauthier.

Stage One 115.6 km

The 50th Tour de l’Abitibi will officially begin with the presentation of a 115.6 km road race between Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d’Or, shortly before 5 pm on Tuesday.

The route includes three laps of 3.2 km circuit in the streets of downtown Val-d’Or to finish the stage. American, Riley Sheehan, who won the Tour last year in Amos, will be on the start line.

“This was by far the biggest cycling victory of my career,” said Sheehan, who became the third US National Team rider to won the coveted brown jersey after Adrian Costa (2015) and Brandon McNulty (2016).

In addition to seeking to defend the American title at the Tour, Sheehan will attempt to become only the fourth athlete to claim two consecutive overall victories.

His compatriots Mark Frize (1978-1979) and Bobby Julich (1988-1989) were the last to realize such a feat. The honour of the first Canadian double victory goes to Quebec’s Eric van den Eynde who won in 1971 and 1972.

“I’ve heard about this possibility, and it excites me. If it were to happen, it would be just extraordinary. I do not want to put too much pressure on myself. I just want to start the race in the same mood as last year, in a calm and relaxed way. ”

With six stages on the program, including an individual time trial on Thursday morning and a criterium on Saturday, the Tour wraps up on Sunday, July 22. In total, the approximately 150 registered cyclists will have to negotiate a total distance of 640.8 km.