Although this is his first time participating in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau as a cyclist, William Langlois, Associate Financial Services Specialist, Eastern Canada, Retail Distribution, CIBC, is familiar with the event, having attended it with his best friend, Émilie Dagenais, who was named Heroine of the 4-Day Race during the 19th edition of the Tour in 2014. in 2014. A first participation in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau as a cyclist for William Langlois of CIBC Bank.
Émilie, affectionately known as Mimi, was diagnosed with cancer four times. It is for her that the cyclist will get on his bike and ride the 277 kilometers of the 2-Day route starting in Sherbrooke. "This year, I am fulfilling a dream by participating in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. This sporting challenge has a very special meaning for me: it's been 10 years since Mimi passed away. I'm cycling in her memory and for all children with cancer."
William and Mimi, in 2015
2-Day Ride: a test for the 4-Day Ride!
The support of his employer—CIBC, presenting partner of the eponymous Tour—played a role in his decision to register for this fundraising event: "I had started cycling again a while ago, so physically I knew I would be fine, but knowing that CIBC was there to help me raise funds, by selling chocolates in their branches and organizing a bike-a-thon, among other things, was very reassuring. This year is a bit of a test; if all goes well, I'll do the 4-Day Ride next year."
Spreading hope, one pedal stroke at a time.
William, who remains close to Émilie's parents, will proudly wear the badges she wore when she participated in the Tour. The young man adds, emotionally, that Mimi's parents will be there to greet him when he arrives in Boucherville, where all the cyclists meet at the finish line, regardless of the route they chose. “It will be very emotional. They will be there to cheer me on. It's my small contribution to the cause... all children deserve a childhood free of cancer.”
For William, the children along the route—the young Heroes and Heroines and the children paired with the cyclists—are a great source of inspiration. "Their determination is just incredible! What they go through every day is much more impressive than the miles I'll be cycling on July 3 and 4."
And, as William says on his participant page: “No matter the amount! Every gesture counts and helps change lives!”
To donate to William: https://www.tourccb.ca/cycliste-participant/12967-William-Langlois
The Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau is now in its 29th year. To date, it has raised over $50 million to support pediatric cancer research.
Team up for a cancer-free childhoo!
