February 17, 2005 – This morning, the mayor of Val d’Or, Fernand Trahan, and the chairman of the board of the Tour de l’Abitibi, Rémy Tremblay, signed an historical agreement ensuring the continuation of one of Canada’s most famous races.

This agreement stems from the February 14th decision by the board of directors of the race that accepted the proposal of the city of Val d’Or, and recognized that it represented the best solution to ensure the future of the event. Following the signature of the agreement, the city named a provisional committee which will train the new board of directors.

The appointment of the members of this council will have to be approved by the city. The new board of directors will then set up an organizing committee for the 2005 race. According to the mayor Fernand Trahan, the city of Val d’Or solidified a project that has been in the works for two years.

“For the city, it was of primary importance to ensure the survival of this international event in the area. It was a question of regional pride,: Trahan said. “There was no question of seeing the race leave Lake St-Jean region or for it to completely disappear.”