Twenty-three years after leaving Canada for France when he was only six months old, a young sportsman is back for the first time in his native country, which he is currently crossing by bike with the aim of ‘soak up the culture and encourage others to surpass themselves.
On September 9, François Levivier set off from Vancouver with the goal of covering 6,800 km in 60 days, crossing Canada from west to east to finally end his journey at the house where he lived in the first months of his life. , in Halifax.
François Levivier took the time to make a quick stop in Banff, Alberta, at the start of his crossing of Canada by bike, which he began on September 9, in Vancouver.
Photo provided by François Levivier
“At home I always have photos of me in a crib in Halifax and my little baby booties with a maple leaf on them. Everywhere there are signs of Canada, so the country has long attracted me with its grandeur, its people and its culture,” explains the man who says he wants to feel more legitimate about having dual nationality.
“I’m used to setting myself sporting challenges, but this time, I wanted to do something that I was going to be a little afraid of before leaving to push myself to surpass myself,” he adds.
The slippers that François Levivier wore as a baby in Halifax before moving to France at six months old. Photo taken in Burton, British Columbia at the start of his bike ride across Canada.
Photo provided by François Levivier
Discover the country
The young man also explains that he left France with a slim budget in order to take the time to discover the territory and its landscapes, but above all to meet Canadians and learn more about culture.
“Often, in the evening, I knock on doors to meet people, have time to talk with them and above all to make a change from the usual tourism. It’s truly a total immersion.”
François Levivier, during his visit to Winnipeg after setting off by bike from Vancouver on September 9.
Photo provided by François Levivier
“So far I have been really well received. Canadians truly have exceptional hospitality. I was welcomed almost every time by offering me a meal and washing my clothes. It really shocked me,” he said.
He was also at the Bell Center on Tuesday to attend the Canadiens’ game with his cousin who came to join him for the conclusion of the trip.
The young 23-year-old cyclist took advantage of his visit to Montreal to attend a Canadian match in the company of his cousin, Alix Rou du Cosquer, who came to join him for the end of his bike ride across Canada.
Photo provided by François Levivier
“I know that hockey plays an important role in Quebec, so I was happy to be able to live the experience and immerse myself even more.”
The importance of surpassing yourself
The latter also wants to serve as an example, he who had to overcome his fears by coming alone to Canada for two months in addition to taking on a whole sporting challenge by covering an average of 115 km per day.
“I have learned so much about myself since starting this journey. I still have several kilometers to go, but what I am most proud of is having dared to do it. Don’t hesitate to go on an adventure and live your dreams. It can be scary, but once there, these are moments that stay for life,” he says.
François Levivier during his visit to Saskatchewan a few dozen kilometers from Regina. The latter explains that some days were much more difficult than others, but that it was important for him to continue moving forward.
Photo provided by François Levivier
In addition to all that, he also raises funds for the French association A Bras Ouverts, which allows young people with disabilities to spend moments of relaxation and celebration with friends and at the same time to allow families to “breathe” a little. To date, more than $7,200 has been raised.
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