On a grey morning on August 25, 75 cyclists rode with smiles on their faces for the Suroît Hospital Foundation and its 11th annual Défi Vélo. Riding the region's most beautiful roads, they raised almost $35,000.

"With 4 distances on offer (75, 100, 150 or 200 km), the Défi Vélo is a rallying event that appeals to Sunday cyclists and cycling enthusiasts alike," says Pascale Nadeau, events coordinator for the Suroît Hospital Foundation.

Morale was high as the pelotons set off in canon. Accompanied by experienced framers and escort cars, the entire organization was dedicated to ensuring the safety of the cyclists.

"This is my 10th participation in the Défi Vélo, and each time, it's a great pleasure to meet up with this great gang and, above all, to contribute to improving the care offered in our hospital," said Mélanie Boucher, pharmacist at Hôpital du Suroît, cyclist and ambassador for the 11th edition of the Défi Vélo.

"We received financial and logistical support from dozens of companies and partners. Twenty-five volunteers got up at the crack of dawn and went to bed very late to support our organization. It's incredible to see what a unifying role the Suroît Hospital Foundation plays in our community," says Karl Savary, Chairman of the Board of the Suroît Hospital Foundation.

After more than 33,600 pedal strokes and a cumulative total of 9,400 km during the day, the 75 cyclists taking part in the Défi Vélo were proud to donate a net amount of $34,974 to the Suroît Hospital Foundation. This brings the total amount raised by all 11 editions of the Défi Vélo to $444,974.

The Suroît Hospital Foundation team is extremely grateful to all those who contributed to the success of the Défi Vélo, and looks forward to seeing them in August 2024 for the 12th edition of the Défi Vélo!