June 18, 2004 – From June 19 to 27, Mont Sainte-Anne has something special in store for mountain bike enthusiasts at Vélirium 2004. The second edition of the International Mountain Bike Festival is ramping it up with a varied program packed with action day and night. It’s also a pre-Olympic event for the world’s mountain biking elite, who will be on hand for the traditional UCI World Cup during the last two days.

VéliriumŠ the ultimate adrenaline rush!
This year’s event will feature a high octane program that is expected to attract some 50,000 people, including 3,000 athletes and participants from 30 countries. “Since the transformation into a festival in 2003, this is THE event for mountain bike fanatics, adrenaline junkies, and the whole family. We are proud to offer a variety of attractive activities for everybody!” says Chantal Lachance, vice-president of Gestev, the company organizing the MTB World Cup for the last 13 years. With a budget of over $1,100,000, Velirium offers four sections to the program – international, competition, family, and festival.

International Program
The UCI World Cup is coming to Mont-Sainte-Anne, like it has every year since 1991. It’s a signature event on the international calendar – especially this year with the Athens Olympic Games just around the corner in August. A number of athletes will be fighting for their spots on the Olympic team, including local hopeful Marie-Hélène Prémont, who placed 2nd in Great Britain on June 5. A golf tournament is scheduled for June 22 to support Prémont.

On Saturday, June 26, come meet the world’s finest and cheer them on in the UCI World Cup Downhill (DH-June 26), Nokia 4-cross (4X-June 26), and Nissan Cross-country (XC-June 27). Several well-known international athletes have already confirmed their presence: Steve Peat (GBR-DH), Sabrina Jonnier (FRA-DH), Samuel Hill (AUS-4X),Tara Llanes (USA-4X), Roel Paulissen (BEL-XC) and Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR-XC). Amongst the Canadian athletes we will see known profiles such as Olympic medalist Alyson Sydor (XC), Kiara Bisaro (XC), Roland Green (XC), Ryder Hesjedal (XC) and Mathieu Laurin (DH).

And be sure to visit the big exhibition village to check out the latest from the industry or attend a workshop or two.

Accommodation packages are now available to visitors and athletes who want to stay in the area during Vélirium. VéliriumŠ mountain bike delirium!

Competition
Like last year, a full range of amateur mountain bike and running events are on the roster for 2004.

A true test of toughness, the first-ever Quebec Marathon Championship, presented by Nissan, takes place on June 20. This three-part competition features the Vélo Mag Raid (71K), Raid Apéro (32K), and a 95K UCI marathon challenge. Personal challenge is the main motivation here, but the last event also provides a chance to earn UCI points in a combination Vélo Mag and single 24K climb and cruise in Mont-Sainte-Anne. During the day, over 250 athletes will compete in the Québec Cup Downhill race. On June 22, you can go head-to-head with the mountain on foot, by bike, or both in the “King of Ze Hill” challenge. A running race will also be held on June 19 and 24. And on June 23, come ride with Kirt and Lindsey Voreis, Fabien Barel, Chris Sheppard, and Eric Carter (to mention a few) for 2-3 hours during the “Ride with a Pro” event.

Extreme sportsters also have lots to look forward to with another new activity: a 12-hour marathon of nighttime downhill on June 23 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., when teams of two, four or six will tackle the mountain. Nokia Délirium Xtrême Urbain will return on June 24, this time at Place d’Youville, with an air-stunt show, daytime Jam Session with evening qualifications and finals where a few amateurs will have the unique chance to be selected to participate to the finals among the pro riders. Back to the mountain on June 25 for the Québec Cup Cross-country race, with over 800 competitors, and the Air Jam Session. A show that will wow spectators as participants take to the air! VéliriumÅ  more to see, more to ride!

Family Program
Families will be specially catered to at “Véli Fun,” where clowns, balloons, face painting, and entertainment await. Kids can show the grownups their moves in free competitions for children 4-9 years old and a mini-rally for 4-14 year-olds.

Also on the program are cycling races and the “Véli Bazar,” where you can buy and sell used equipment. VéliriumÅ  everything for everyone!

Party Time
This year, join us for Saint-Jean Baptiste celebrations on the night of June 23 at Party Bleu Nuit, when twelve Quebec DJs including Peakafeller, Nic B, Phil Larochelle, Eve N, Banging Mark, and +++ set the mountain party mood. The free night of fun starts 6:00 p.m. with a BBQ, lounge, pool, spa, big screen, and moreÅ 

As part of Nokia Délirium Xtrême Urbain on June 24, Sagacité, DJ Nerve and Friends, and DJ Vicious will take the stage at Place d’Youville. To wrap things up, Quebec City’s hottest Choppers and Low Riders will be front and center at the edgy Bike Parade.

During the World Cup weekend, music will also be in the limelight at Zig Zag Lounge from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with Quebec City’s Map and DJ Pilou and Toronto’s Getaway. And if that’s not enough, you can continue on to Chouette bar for Damned if we don’t and guest DJs from Kashmir. VéliriumÅ  high voltage entertainment all the way!