Starting in Châteauguay, this year's Défi visits the south-western part of the metropolitan region, in Suroît territory, and follows part of the Châteauguay River and Lake Saint-Louis.
Getting started
Present yourself on July 31, 2021, at the time you chose when you registered, at École secondaire Louis-Philippe-Paré, in Châteauguay.
To plan your journey to the departure site, click on this link: 235 Brisebois Blvd. Châteauguay, Quebec J6K 3X4
Departure will be staggered from 7 am to 9:30 am. It is important to respect the chosen timewhen you register to comply with public health regulations. Please refer to your transaction receipt or your customer account.
Don't forget your identification bracelet received by mail. It's your business card for accessing the various services and getting your lunch.
Get your lunch
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the lunch stop. From 10 a.m. at the finish site.
When you registered, you chose to receive your lunch at the lunch stop (aqua wristband) or at the finish site (white wristband), and you received a wristband color accordingly.
Note that the 47 km route does not include the lunch stop. If you decide to ride the 47 km on the morning of the Challenge when you had chosen to take your lunch at the lunch stop, report to the Vélo Québec INFO booth before setting off.
Access to services
Visit departure site and lunch stop, You'll have access to the following services: toilets, water, mechanical repairs and first aid.
Take a break at the halte-ravito, at km 91 of the regular route. Services offered: snacks, water and toilets.
The arrival of cyclists will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please note that no activities are planned, in order to respect public health measures in force. Take advantage of your visit to the region to discover it in a different way.
Mechanical help and support on the road
Make sure you have a bike in good condition to take part in the Challenge. In case of a problem, here are the services we offer.
To contact Vélo Québec during the Défi métropolitain: 514 292-8356
Mechanical help
At the start site and lunch stop, a mechanical breakdown service is offered to correct minor problems (punctures, adjustments, etc.) and not to carry out major repairs.
The cost of replacement parts, if any, is at the participant's expense.
On the road
Vehicles (mechanics, support, motorcycle first aid) will be on hand to help you in case of a problem. You'll also come across certified bike framers - first-aid certified and qualified to carry out mechanical repairs.
If you need help, just give us a thumbs-down.
Support vehicle
If you can't make it through the day, you can take your bike with you in a support vehicle.
Don't hesitate to use it if you have a serious problem, but note that it's an emergency service, not a cab.
Your preparation
The better prepared you are, the more fun you'll have at the event. Go at your own pace and, above all, have fun!
Equip yourself properly
Bring equipment for all conditions (raincoat, windbreaker, long shorts, overshoes, sunscreen, helmet or cap, goggles, etc.). If you have to leave equipment in the car, it's better to bring more than less.
In the current context, bring your COVID-19 kit:
Hydroalcoholic solution
Disinfectant wipes
Protective mask or face shield
Gloves
Fill up on energy
The distances involved in the Metropolitan Challenge are relatively long, so it's important to prepare properly. The night before, have a hearty supper, preferably carbohydrate-based (the famous pasta!). In the morning, don't go against your usual routine: have a good breakfast.
Eat and drink regularly before you feel hungry or thirsty: it's your fuel and the secret to getting to your destination!
Don't just rely on convenience stores along the route. Pack two cans of water and fill your pockets (or panniers) with snacks such as energy bars, cookies, fresh or dried fruit...
Go at your own pace
A minimum of stretching and warming up is beneficial for many people. Take 10 minutes to loosen up your muscles. It can only do you good!
If this is your first major outing of the season, curb your enthusiasm at the start and save some for last. Start off gently.
Of course, we strongly recommend that you plan a few outings before the Metropolitan Challenge, including one of a similar distance.
Metropolitan Challenge course
Take to the road at your own pace! Depending on your energy level, take the route of your choice: 47, 80, 104 or 138 km. One week before the Challenge, You'll receive an updated route map by e-mail, including the presence of the rest stop and toilets.
To complete the planning of your Challenge, it is possible - using a phone, computer or tablet - to consult maps and topographic profiles with the Ride with GPS.
This platform offers you an array of superior functionalities:
Voice navigation
Offline access to maps
Detailed maps and itineraries (cuesheets) in PDF format (data provided for information purposes only)
Advanced route notifications with GPX (or TCX) files
If you wish to access these functions, please follow the procedure below: 1. Register for the event on Ride with GPS. 2. You will be invited to register if you are new to the site or log in if you already have an account. There's no charge. The event will be automatically synchronized with your mobile and online account.
Do you own a GPS or a smartphone? Consult the short navigation guide to familiarize yourself with the platform. Ride with GPS. Please note that the application is available in English only.
During the Défi métropolitain, roads are open to vehicular traffic. As a road user, you must therefore comply with the Quebec Highway Safety Code. In addition to the usual rules (traffic lights, stops, etc.), it's important not to drive four wide, but in line on the right-hand side of the road.
Cycling and courtesy
Every year, many municipalities and their residents welcome us along our routes with warmth and enthusiasm. To leave them with a good impression, we ask you to be civic-minded, courteous on the road and respectful of private property at all times.
Beaconing
The route is signposted. These signs will also indicate the presence of various service points (toilets, refreshments, lunch stops, water, etc.). Any last-minute detours will be indicated by DETOUR signs.
Closing options
Optionals indicate a closing time so that all participants can cross the finish line before 6 pm. In addition to being indicated on the course sign at the start of the optional course, closing time information is also provided on maps, where applicable.
Health measures
Vélo Québec takes the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's health. It is also the responsibility of each participant to respect the rules and regulations. health measures in force at the time of the event.
If you develop symptoms before the event, please stay home.
If you develop symptoms during the event, you will be asked to leave the premises and go directly to your home, where you will be asked to fill out a form. the self-assessment tool or call the COVID-19 line at 1-877-644-4545.
Reminder of sanitary measures
Respect for the family bubble and physical distance at all times.
Hand disinfection compulsory. Hand-washing stations will be available on site in all service areas (info booths, toilets, refreshment stands, etc.).
Wearing a face covering is compulsory:
in waiting areas (info booths, toilets, refreshment stands, etc.);
when working with mechanical service, first aid or support personnel;
inside buildings;
when the two-metre distance cannot be respected.
One-way traffic in waiting areas.
Other measures implemented by Vélo Québec
Regular disinfection of toilets.
Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
Wearing of personal protective equipment by service personnel.
Presence of a physical barrier (Plexiglas) between participants and service staff at the lunch stop and the ravito stop.
Plan a weekend in the region
Extend your stay in the Châteauguay region. See our accommodations Bienvenue cyclistes!
Thanks to all the municipalities on the Défi métropolitain route, especially the Ville de Châteauguay and École secondaire Louis-Philippe-Paré, hosts of the start/finish of the event, and the municipality of Ormstown, host of the lunch stop.
Membership
Vélo Québec needs your help
By becoming a member of Vélo Québec, you support our mission to develop and promote cycling, and help us build the cycling Quebec of tomorrow.
