The first event of the season, the Défi métropolitain is for those of you who like to ride and who, depending on your fitness and your mood of the day, can choose to go easy or light on a non-timed course of between 60 and 140 kilometers on roads open to traffic. Each year, the event visits a new corner of the greater metropolitan area.
Check out our Participant Info page for all the details about your challenge!
Vélo Québec's Défi métropolitain returns in 2026 with an edition full of energy and discoveries! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a lover of good rides, it's the perfect way to kick off the season. This year, come and pedal on a non-timed course, departing from Mirabel towards Oka, via Saint-Benoît or Deux-Montagnes. An adventure through varied landscapes, from fields to orchards.
Find out more about the Metropolitan Challenge, which offers several routes of 61 km, 91 km, 100 km and 147 km.
Approximately 7 km are on Route Verte bike paths and lanes (Parc linéaire du P'tit Train du Nord).
The route does not include a lunch stop; lunch will be served at the finish site.
The route includes a water stop and a refreshment stop.
Approximately 10 km of the route is covered by bike lanes in more urban areas, and by bike paths on the Route Verte (La Vagabonde and the P'tit Train du Nord linear park).
Optional AM - adds 21.2 km
An agricultural route, with fields as far as the eye can see.
We pass two farms where horses can be seen.
Optional #1 PM - adds 17.1 km
The route is punctuated by several orchards and cider mills.
Crossing the charming village of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac.
Elevation gain of 259 m (climb after the lunch stop) - the option with the most elevation gain.
Superb views of orchards and mountains.
The route leads through the forest past the village and orchards, then back through the orchards.
Descent on a lovely winding path surrounded by forest and orchards.
Finishes with an unobstructed view of fields on the horizon and more orchards.
Several agri-tourism attractions can be found along the way.
Optional #2 PM - adds 8.7 km
Rather flat sector, ideal for a final sprint on long straights.
The course first skirts the Mirabel golf course, then crosses fields as far as the eye can see.
Ends with a section on the P'tit Train du Nord linear park before rejoining the shared route to the finish site.
To ensure a smooth start and smooth cycling on the course, you must choose a start time between 7 and 10 a.m. when you register.
Arrival/departure site to the’Jean-Bouchard Amphitheatre, Mirabel, you can access following services parking, toilets, refreshment stands, hand-washing station, first aid, kmechanical iosque and INFO kiosk.
On arrival, Enjoy a wide range of entertainment: musical entertainment by DJ Jeff from 11am to 6pm, chocolate milk and iced tea, from the Siboire bistro and the Laurentides Lufa and Tourisme kiosks.
Shuttles - Want to come without a car? Select the shuttle option when you register! It will leave the Maison des cyclistes (1251 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J9) at 7:00 a.m. on May 24. Schedule details will be posted on the Participant Info Page in the coming days.
Depending on your energy level, you can choose to take the course of your choice. Routes - available on Ride with GPS - will be sent to you a few days before the Challenge.
Our services in the Challenge The event includes: lunch, signposted itinerary, professional supervision (mechanics and first aid), support vehicles.
A problem on the road? Support vehicles and cycling coaches - assigned to bike mechanics and first aid - will be on hand to help. Can't complete the Challenge? Support vehicles will take you to the finish site if you're having trouble. Got questions? Visit the information booth at the start/finish site.
Discover the complete price list for the 2026 edition of the Metropolitan Challenge.
FREE for children 12 and under.
By participating in Festival Go vélo Montréal events (Défi métropolitain, Tour la Nuit, Tour de l’Île de Montréal), you consent to Vélo Québec, Festival partners and the media attending these events capturing images of you that may be used to promote and broadcast the Festival in all its forms (photos, videos, multiplatform media, etc.).
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Christmas special
10 November 2025 to 5 January 2026
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Launch
6 January to 9 February 2026
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Book early
10 February to March 30, 2026
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Current rate
31 March to May 18, 2026
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Last minute
19 May to May 24, 2026
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| 13-17 years old | 19,90 $ | 19,90 $ | 19,90 $ | 19,90 $ | 19,90 $ |
| Adult | 65 $ | 72 $ | 78 $ | 88 $ | 99 $ |
| Vélo Québec Member | 55 $ | 59 $ | 62 $ | 76 $ | 87 $ |
By participating in Festival Go vélo Montréal events (Défi métropolitain, Tour la Nuit, Tour de l’Île de Montréal), you consent to Vélo Québec, Festival partners and the media attending these events capturing images of you that may be used to promote and broadcast the Festival in all its forms (photos, videos, multiplatform media, etc.).
All prices are before taxes. Taxes will be added when you finalize your registration.
Want to take part in several of our events? Take advantage of our new combos!
The Combo promo is :
* To take advantage of the 2 or 3 event combo discount, registrations must be completed in the same transaction. The discount is applicable when the same person registers for more than one event. For more details, please contact us.
Sharing the pleasure of cycling!
This summer, enjoy the Go vélo Montréal Festival to ride with your family or colleagues. Take advantage of a 15 % discount on the registration fee when you register a group of 10 or more. As an added bonus, we'll also donate 15 % of your registration fee to the cause of your choice. When you ride in a group at Vélo Québec events, everyone wins!
Registration deadlines : Tuesday May 18
1 All destinations 2 Canada only 3 Québec only 4 Greater Montreal only
Note: Please allow 5 working days for delivery from the date of mailing. For registrations made online after the date of the last mailing, race numbers can be picked up at the following address Cyclists' House (until Friday, May 23, 3 p.m.) or at the Info booth at the start site (on the morning of the event).
