(Montreal) Hundreds of cyclists met Sunday morning on the popular climb to the Camillien-Houde pass. For the first time this summer, the road was closed to vehicle traffic. The Cyclovia sportive Camillien-Houde event will repeat every Sunday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. until mid-September.
Many groups took advantage of this Father’s Day Sunday to climb the winding road that crosses Mount Royal. The cool, sunny weather was ideal, much to the delight of the participants.
André Boulanger, who came from Saint-Jérôme for the occasion, took part in a challenge organized by the Procure organization during the road closure. “The goal is to raise money for prostate cancer research,” he explains. Being lucky enough to have the road to ourselves is even more pleasant. » The objective was to complete 18 climbs in three hours, a quantity which corresponds to the daily number of Quebecers being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“We are lucky to have a mountain in a big city like Montreal,” rejoices Salah Mouazer, who has been practicing sport cycling for around ten years. Marie-Maude Roberge, who accompanied him, is training for a half-Ironman. Why does she appreciate access reserved for pedestrians and cyclists? “It encourages you to climb faster! “, she exclaims.
The Camillien-Houde sportive Cyclovia has been taking place since 2016. From just one Sunday that year to 13 today, the event founded by Marc-Antoine Desjardins brings together more and more fans. “I have a lot of ambition for this mountain,” he assures.
