Latest news with #TourdeÎle
CTV News
01-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
Tour de l'Île: Thousands of cyclists brave rain and wind across Montreal
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.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Tour de l'Île: Montrealers asked to clear streets for major cycling event
Cyclists set out on the Tour de l'ile, in Montreal, Sunday, June 5, 2022. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal's biggest yearly cycling events, the Tour la Nuit and Tour de l'Île, are only days away, and the city is asking residents to plan their commutes in advance. Both events will take place east of Pie-IX Boulevard. Friday's Tour la Nuit will cause road closures between 7 p.m. and midnight. City spokesperson Philippe Sabourin said those living along the race's path will have to move their cars by 1 p.m. or they may be towed. The city created a map highlighting the areas that will need to be cleared. No parking signs are already in place. 'For shoppers, if you have the habit to go with your car to do groceries Friday night, please do it before 7:30 p.m., otherwise it could turn into a nightmare. So, you don't want that. Plan your move,' Sabourin said. Those along the Tour de l'Île path will have to move their cars by the end of Saturday night to make sure the street is clear for Sunday's activities. Road closures are expected between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Though businesses and residents have already been made aware of the road closures, the city is urging people to use the Waze app or Avis et Alerte to plan their weekend commuting. Sabourin said those who plan to use their cars over the weekend should move them out of the highlighted area in advance. The downtown area and the west side of the city should not be affected, Sabourin said. 'It's been months of planning, nothing is left to chance,' he said. Vélo Québec president Jean-François Rheault said those who live in the eastern part of the city should use Highway 40 to get around. STM shuttles will also be in place, as many bus routes will be detoured. This year marks the event's 40th anniversary, and cyclists can still sign up to participate. The Tour de l'Île is one of the city's biggest international summer events. This year's theme is the '80s, with participants encouraged to play music and wear clothing to match the era. 'We're proud of this event,' said Sabourin. 'We want this to be a festive, fun and pleasant event for everyone.' Rheault says people have told him they feel more inspired to ride their bikes after participating in the Tour de l'Île, which he finds encouraging. '[Cycling] is a simple solution to complex problems – it's good for mobility, for the environment and for health. It's also good for the economy,' he said. Millions are expected to participate in the two events.
