With new dates and location, Le Tour de la relève de Rimouski will return in 2019
New sponsors step in to save the prominent Canadian junior and cadet road race
Earlier this week it was reported that the Le Tour de la relève de Rimouski would be cancelled for 2019. Now, it appears the prominent Canadian junior road race will run its tenth edition this summer after all.
The initial report of the races cancellation produced a huge response from the cycling community. The Fédération Québécoise des Sports Cyclistes (FQSC) said that a wave of e-mails in support of the event followed the announcement, leading to the rescue of Le Tour.
MaKadence Cycling Development, which is based in the Quebec City, will take over the organization of the event. Le Tour will be relocated for 2019, and renamed to reflect its new home. The race, which has launched the careers of many Quebec and Canadian junior racers, will also be rescheduled to take place from August 8 to 11, 2019.
“Our motivation is to bring back a race of importance for young people in the Quebec City area,” says Christine Gillard, head coach MaKadence Cycling Development. “Le Tour de la relève internationale de Rimouski, is an important event for young athletes and even a determining factor in the pursuit of their sport, especially at this age.”
FQSC and Cycling Canada thanked Makadence Cycling Development for adding their support, in a press release announcing the race would continue.
“This race for junior boys and girls is extremely important for the development of road cycling in Quebec, just like other competitions such as the Tour de l’Abitibi or the Tour de Beauce,” said Louis Barbeau, Executive Director of FQSC. “We are convinced that MaKadence’s involvement will ensure the sustainability of this event for several more years.”
“We are delighted to confirm the continuation of this important event in the Quebec and national calendar,” added Mathieu Boucher, Chief of Development and Operations at Cycling Canada. “It is an event that serves as a springboard for our young cyclists as it offers a race format inspired by stage racing, while being well adapted to the athletes’ stage of development.”
FQSC and Cycling Canada also thanked Le Tour’s original organizers for putting on the event for nine years in a row. During this time the race has contributed to the development of young cyclists across the country including many who are now competing internationally.
