They came, they toured, they conquered
22nd annual tour de L'ile. From spandex-clad racers to young families, 30,000 cyclists join in famed bike rally
KATE LUNAU, The Gazette
Published: Monday, June 05, 2006Clowns, music and the wafting smell of barbecues welcomed thousands of bicyclists who rolled into Laurier Park yesterday ending the 22nd annual Tour de l'Ile de Montreal.
Snacking on apple slices and caramel, 6-year-old rider Nicholas Hausler didn't seem a bit tired after the 48-kilometre ride. "It's because of all the caramel," father Al Hausler said.
A two-time participant, Nicholas is a big fan of the event. "I like everything but the hills," he said.
View Larger ImagePerhaps a bit saddle-sore, cyclists get a checkered flag as they complete the 48-kilometre Tour de l'ile yesterday at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park.
MARIE-FRANCE COALLIER, THE GAZETTE
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Printer friendlyThe route changes every year. This year cyclists headed from the Plateau Mont Royal area to Lachine and back. They had only one hill to conquer - on Berri St., right at the end.
Nicholas participated in the event with his parents and sister Svetlana, 11, all of whom hail from New Jersey.
"We love this city," Al Hausler said. "We come back every year."
About 30,000 cyclists of every age and experience level pedalled in this year's tour, some coming from the U.S., Ontario, and as far away as Switzerland.
The group's diversity was evident at the finish line: cyclists sporting spandex finished alongside couples on tandem bikes, families, and riders with tinsel streaming from their helmets.
About 3,000 volunteers along the way provided snacks, directions and encouragement, as well as first aid and bike repair to those who needed them. Red Cross workers and three ambulances were also standing by.
The Hauslers were just one of many families participating.
Joelle Sevigny is the executive director of Velo Quebec Evenements, the group responsible for organizing the tour.
"Family participation is on the rise every year," she said.
Paul Muller, 43, rode with his 11-year-old daughter. Picnicking in Laurier Park after crossing the finish line, he explained:
"I get to spend four hours with my daughter. What could be better?"
Not even overcast skies deterred participants: in fact, many were grateful for the cooler temperatures.
"Last year, it was too hot," said Alexandre Tornyos, 16. "Today was nice and cool. We only had a bit of wind to contend with."
Although no participants suffered any major injuries, eight were taken to a hospital with minor injuries
The Tour de l'Ile is the culmination of the Montreal Bike Fest, running this year from May 28 to June 4. The Bike Fest includes a bike-to-work campaign and last Friday's Tour la Nuit, a popular night ride that drew 12,000 participants.
klunau@thegazette.canwest.com
© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006
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