Tour de l'Île: Thousands of cyclists brave rain and wind across Montreal

CTV News

3 days ago

About 18,000 cyclists cruised down safe, car-free streets, facing wet pavement and winds for Montreal's annual Tour de l'Île.
Thousands of cyclists brave rain and wind across Montreal for Tour de l'Île
About 18,000 cyclists cruised down safe, car-free streets, facing wet pavement and winds for Montreal's annual Tour de l'Île.
People of all ages pedaled along eastern Montreal on the rainy Sunday morning, but some didn't spare the sarcasm.
'Amazing weather,' said Harley McPhee with a laugh.
'Yeah, I'm not scared at all of hypothermia or losing a finger, but it's all good,' added his friend Kevin Bowe.
Not everyone found the forecast so funny.
'I think it could have been better,' said nine-year-old Charlie Plante.
'We tried to dress up as warm as possible… just to have fun,' added Celine Choquette. 'Well, we'll try to have fun.'
Before the ride even began, some were already dreaming about the end.
'I think I'm going to feel great, and ready for a nap and a large pizza,' said Richard Ziegahn.
Others embraced the elements, saying cycling is about connecting with nature, rain or shine.
'It's fun and we're going to be seeing the city,' said Eric Salvas, who participated with his young children.
'Feel the air, feel the land, and just be a part of that,' added Menachem Rottem.
That mindset has spread — and so has the gear — since the first Tour de l'Île 40 years ago.
Cycling culture has shifted, said Velo Quebec CEO Jean-Francois Rheault.
'People came, you know, cycling in jeans. They didn't have weather gear or anything. Today we can see that people are ready to cycle in all kinds of weather,' he said.
After more than 50 kilometres, the finish line felt good, but not everyone was ready to rest.
'My legs are tired but, like, I'm ready for the next 50k,' said Marc Amicarelli.
'I'm gonna go on a run,' said Lester Gariba.
Many, though, had a different kind of recovery in mind.
'Probably just be relaxed at home,' said Alexandre Constant.
'Hopefully I get some sleep tonight,' said Ridgy Denis.
The ride may be over, but the momentum keeps moving — with more people pedalling for fun, fitness and to travel on their own terms.