March 10/14 11:43 am - Abitibi Announces Host Cities Through 2020

Posted by Editoress on 03/10/14
 

The organization of the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi announced today the host cities for the upcoming editions of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins. Thus, Amos, Rouyn-Noranda, and Val-d'Or will be sharing the privilege of hosting the Tour until 2020.

An agreement over 6 years
The Tour, along with the three cities, have reached an agreement for the editions 2015 to 2020 of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins. The president of the Tour cycliste de l'Abitibi, Mrs. Suzanne Fortin, proceeded to make the announcement. "The organization is very pleased to conclude an agreement with the cities of Amos, Rouyn-Noranda, and Val-d'Or as host cities of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins. It is a privilege to be able to count on their support in order to present the future editions of the Tour, until the year 2020." For the organization, this collaboration is synonymous of prosperity. In that, it will permit to assure the continuity of its activities over many years, plan for the long term, and carry out projects over several editions.

An annual rotation
The cities agreed to take turns in acting as host city of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins. Hence, the Tour will be back in Val-d'Or in 2015, in Rouyn-Noranda in 2016, and in Amos in 2017. The 50th edition of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins will be celebrated in Val-d'Or in 2018. Rouyn-Noranda will then take over in 2019, followed by Amos in 2020.

A three host city formula is excellent for the Tour's activities. Mrs. Fortin added, "With all the success of the Tour, regarding its achievements, collaborations, and partnerships, particularly over the last few years, a three host city formula is considered another success, for its strategic vision and its sustainability." The organization is proud of the Tour's regional formula. Indeed, it permits it to present a more extensive program, as it encompasses all areas of the region, in addition to building an organizational expertise of volunteers in the region.

The activities of the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins attract 30,000 spectators annually, 13,000 web spectators from 38 countries, 200 participants, and 500 volunteers. They provide an undeniable national and international influence for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. After surveying the economic benefits of the Tour in 2013, it has been found that the event has brought in profits of 1.2 million dollars for the region, particularly in the host city.

The 46th Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins will take place from July 21st to 27th, 2014 in Amos. As a Challenge event of the Nations Cup, it holds the highest level of sanction given by the International Cycling Union. The reputation of this sporting challenge has spread beyond our borders. It is classed amongst the most important junior competitions in the world. In total, approximately 150 cyclists participate in the Tour de l'Abitibi Desjardins each year.

Press release