“We’ve come a long way in the last 10 years, when we had this crazy idea to make the world move and make them experience what we’re experiencing during the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie. […] If each of us succeeds in getting one person to move, we will have won our challenge,” indicated the MP for Granby and Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, himself an experienced cyclist, to the many partners of the event. gathered Thursday for the unveiling of the 2024 program.
The minister responsible for Estrie also took the opportunity to highlight the quality of cycling infrastructure in Granby. “I am proud to see the city and its cycling network develop. The city of Granby is certainly one of the most important in terms of cycling, for its cycle paths and its welcome.”
Benoit Léveillé, co-founder of the event promoting healthy lifestyle habits, outlined the genesis of the steps that have propelled the challenge ever further over the last decade. “Ten years is something,” he said enthusiastically. The Grand Défi de Granby, at the beginning, was just an idea. The first year, it took guts, bravery. And people adhered to the values that we put forward.”
Three courses
As was the case last year, the intergenerational event will kick off at 9:30 a.m. at Daniel-Johnson Park in Granby. The three traditional circuits are still on the program. We are talking about a 2.5 km route for beginners, 15 km to complete as a family and 45 km for more experienced cyclists. They must wear a helmet and be able to maintain a constant average speed of 22 km/h, and travel in a platoon. Note that the longest circuit will allow cycling enthusiasts to soak up the panoramas of Granby, but also of the neighboring city, Waterloo, where cyclists will stop for a break before completing the return route to their starting point.
The organizers have included something new for little ones: a free mini-bike course. This is an agility circuit for smaller cyclists. which will be animated and supervised from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
“It’s important to move and reclaim the city,” said Granby Mayor Julie Bourdon. […] Thank you for showing us places where citizens perhaps go a little less.”
Participants will also have the chance to rub shoulders with a cycling star, Antoine Duchesne, who will act as spokesperson for the Grand Défi de Granby. The athlete has competed twice in the Tour de France, the 2016 Rio Olympics and the road racing world championships. “We hear everywhere how everyone has trouble moving. There is fear and anxiety among children. […] It’s the fun to have an event like this which is accessible to everyone where there is no competition. No need for special equipment to move, it’s vital.”
To register or have more information about the challenge, visit the event website. Each participant will have to pay $5 to register in advance online. It is also possible to do it the same day for $10.
