Québec Gears Up for Grand défi Pierre Lavoie with Excitement and Road Closures
This weekend, the city of Québec is buzzing with energy and inspiration as it hosts the 17th edition of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. It's more than just a cycling event—it’s a movement, a celebration of health, endurance, and community spirit that’s inspiring people of all ages. But it also comes with a heads-up for all drivers in and around the area: expect significant road closures and traffic disruptions from Thursday through Sunday, with key streets and even bridges being temporarily closed to accommodate the thousands of cyclists riding through the region.
Over 5500 participants are pedaling in this year's event, including more than 1000 who are taking part in the full 1000-kilometer challenge. It’s no small feat. These cyclists will ride across Québec City and surrounding areas, with most stages launching from the Université Laval, where the event village is also based. One of the major highlights is La Boucle—a single-day, 135-kilometer ride taking participants from Québec to Sainte-Marie in Beauce. The spirit of the event is contagious, and it's incredible to witness how it's bringing together families, communities, and generations.
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Take the inspiring story of Louise Fortin and her son Pascal Demers. Riding a tandem bicycle, the mother-son duo has now completed their third Boucle together, this year joined by Louise’s daughter Véronique for her first. It’s these stories—intergenerational, emotional, and uplifting—that give the Grand défi its soul. Pascal, who’s participated in every Boucle since it began, is known for leading by example. And it’s clear his passion has motivated his whole family to join him on this journey of health and resilience.
Behind all the joy and energy, though, the event does require some logistical adaptation. Most notably, the Québec Bridge will be entirely closed to vehicle traffic from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, as 5000 cyclists take on La Boucle. Pedestrians and non-participating cyclists will still be allowed, but mopeds and motorized two-wheelers are prohibited. The Pierre-Laporte Bridge remains open and should be used as an alternative route. Police presence will be high throughout the event to ensure safety and manage temporary traffic holds as the pelotons pass.
Pierre Lavoie, the man behind the movement, emphasized how these stories—like that of a 70-year-old mother riding with her children or even an 85-year-old participant completing his sixth Boucle—are signs that this initiative is more than alive; it's thriving. Despite a general decline in road cycling, this event continues to draw a massive and diverse crowd, proving that when you pair community with purpose, people respond.
If you’re traveling in the area this weekend, plan your route ahead and stay patient. But if you’re watching from the sidelines or even participating yourself, soak in the atmosphere. It’s not every day that you get to witness such a powerful celebration of human effort, unity, and the pursuit of a healthier future.
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