When Simon decided to register for the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau for the first time, his daughter was one year old. "Having a child, becoming a parent, makes us realize even more how essential pediatric cancer research is. This cause is close to my heart... All children should be healthy."
His first experience on the 50 km Discovery route was a very enjoyable one: "It was a really great event! The guard of honor at the finish line, with children who have cancer and others who are in remission, their families... it gave us a burst of energy! "
A friendly atmosphere and human warmth are the order of the day at the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau
For his eighth participation, Simon opted for the 80 km Discovery route. "All the routes I've done—50 km Discovery, 80 km Discovery, and 1 Day (135 km)—have been wonderful experiences! They've always been warm and welcoming moments of sharing. Even on the longest distances, you have time to chat with the other cyclists during the lunch break or afterwards in the park. It's a sporting adventure, but it's also a great opportunity to socialize. We're all united by the same sense of accomplishment at the end; we come away proud to have contributed to the cause."
Preparation and motivation
"Having the badges on our jerseys is definitely an extra motivation! The year I did the 135 km, I hadn't done much cycling before. The hills were difficult, and at one point I got cramps and the peloton left me behind. I thought about the children on my badges [young people with cancer or in remission are the Heroes/Heroines of the journey, and others are paired with cyclists] and I said to myself, 'I can catch up with the peloton! If they can endure everything they're going through, I can catch up with them!“ Was it the motivating effect of the other cyclists, or a second wind? In any case, Simon made it: ”I went after the peloton!"
To prepare for the 2025 Tour, Simon has been cycling with his children a few times. “I'm doing 30-40 km rides with them to make sure I'm ready for my 80 km ride.” We bet they're also a great source of motivation for him!
IGA: valuable support
After participating in several editions of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, his family and friends are now familiar with the mission of the Charles-Bruneau Foundation: "The more we talk about it, the more people want to embrace the cause. We no longer need to explain what the Tour is; people remember it. My family knows I'm going to participate and asks me questions; they're waiting for me to launch my fundraising campaign! As for suppliers, I even have some from English Canada who are participating because they are touched by the cause!"
To encourage its employees to participate in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, IGA sends out a press release throughout Quebec and organizes fundraising activities, such as hot dog lunches. The parent company, Sobeys, even reimburses registration fees.
When cycling rhymes with hope
Simon takes away one important thing from all the encounters he has had at the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau: “The children and their families show courage and great perseverance. When they talk to us, it's always positive; you can feel the hope in their words all the time.”
And it's for them that Simon cycles. It's a gesture of solidarity. “We give them energy; we show them that they're not alone.”
To encourage Simon and the IGA team: https://www.tourccb.ca/equipe-participante/1704-IGA
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The Discovery routes—50 and 80 km—are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. As the name suggests, these routes allow you to discover the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, experience its excitement and emotion, without being part of a peloton.
