2024 – In Pictures | 25th Tour at Night: “It helps you to grow beyond yourself”

Quebec June 1, 2024 anunci

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The 25^tThe 13th edition of the Tour la nuit took place on Friday evening in the streets of Montreal. It was the first of two major cycling events taking place this weekend as part of the Go Vélo Festival, along with the Tour de l'Île. No less than 17,000 participants took part in this first activity, a rare opportunity to ride through streets closed to traffic, all adorned with thousands of illuminated frames.

Published yesterday at 23:35

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

The start was at around 8:30 p.m., just after sunset, and was a long one, with many cyclists not getting on their bikes until the sun had fully set. The 24 km route started north on Avenue du Parc at the corner of Avenue du Mont-Royal before turning towards the city centre and then heading towards the Sud-Ouest district, where cyclists rode along the Lachine Canal to the Saint-Rémi Tunnel.

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

There were many young people at the start. No less than 30% of the participants were under 25 years old and 20% were under 12 years old. “It is often the first opportunity to cycle such a long distance in the city. The crowds, the lights, it gives them the energy to push themselves,” says Jean-François Rheault, General Director of Vélo Québec. Events like this help people push themselves. »

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

For Sylvie Cholette and Réal Vurelle, this is already the third time they have taken part in the Tour at night. They see it as a great opportunity to share their passion for cycling with their grandson Arnaud Giroux. “Since he took part last year, he has told us that he can't wait to come back!” said the grandmother. Next year, his sister will be the same age as him, but I have already told my daughter that we will need another adult to take over and she replied: “It won't be me!” »

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

As long as they had pedals, all mounts were allowed, regardless of the size of their wheels!

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

Among the veterans who take part in the Tour at night, we find Réal Tremblay, a volunteer mechanic who signed up 32 years ago. “When I first showed up at the Tour de l'île, I had my bag with my tools and spent my time repairing bikes, even though I wasn't a volunteer! So I said to myself: I can get involved in that too.” Among the breakdowns he often fixes are flat tires, poorly adjusted brakes and derailleurs rolled up in a spoke. “The idea is to be able to tinker so that people can finish the trick.” He is enthusiastic about his role and is not worried about being one of the last to finish. “Last year, I was already halfway and they reopened the roads,” he laughs.

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

According to registrations, 30% of participants came from outside Montreal and 5% from outside Quebec, from the rest of Canada and the United States. “It helps to reinforce the image as a party and cycling destination,” explains Vélo Québec's general director, Jean-François Rheault. “It's a unique event because of its festive side with the lights.”

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

For the second time, actress Julie Ringuette lent her voice to the event as a speaker. She was met while she was filling her stand with all kinds of lights and said that she had discovered a new passion. “Last year my two daughters were 2 and 4 years old. I came with my husband and lost control.” “When I was asked this year if I would like to be a co-speaker again, I said: I'm not only doing it, but I'm doing it as a single mother,” she says briefly before rushing off, pulling a cart with her children sitting on it.

PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

But what motivates so many people to get on horseback and ride through the crowds? “It's the festive aspect of being with the family,” explains Leyla Larja, who came with her son Milan, her neighbour Louis Le Grand, two young people Diana and Carla and her friend Cédric Chaperon. “The huge flow of people at night. There are no more red lights, people are driving,” adds the latter.

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