Quebec MTB couple killed in car crash in Trois-Rivières

A young couple from Sainte-Adèle who died in a car crash on Friday in Trois-Rivières has left the Quebec MTB community devastated.

On Friday afternoon in Trois-Rivières, Mélanie Guérin 43, and her husband François Allaire, 44 died while driving on the A40. According to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), their vehicle was trapped between two trucks. The car was completely destroyed by the force of impact. According to their family, the couple was on their way to a mountain bike event.

Mélanie Guérin and François Allaire loved cycling

“Cycling was their common passion. It was their whole life. In their community, they were recognized and highly appreciated. It’s a big loss for everyone,” Guérin’s aunt, Chantale Proulx, said.

As well as being MTB riders, the couple worked in the cycling industry. Their day job was Bikeshield Protection, which specializes in bicycle wraps.

According to the Journal de Montréal, the couple was set to sponsor two events: the Enduro Challenge 2.0 of Belle Neige and the Marin Wildside Enduro at Mount Sutton on Saturday, July 15. Both events will now hold memorials beforehand.

“In such a large province, what are the chances of it falling on our family? Life is really bad, it always takes away the right people, those who do not deserve to leave so soon,” Proulx said. “The death of my niece has completely changed my view of driving. I no longer look at the road in the same way.”

Quebec cycling community is in mourning

The Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FSQC) posted a statement on Facebook about the tragedy.

“The Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FSQC) was informed yesterday that two of our members tragically lost their lives this weekend while attempting to reach one of the mountain bike competition circuits. We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, and the entire cycling community who knew Mélanie Guérin and François Allaire.”