Montreal, November 24, 2020 – Thanks to the generosity and commitment of the participants and partners of the 2020 Bonneville 808 Challenge, the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) is pleased to announce that 500,000 $ was raised during the 4th edition. Presented by Fenplast and Lowe’s Canada in collaboration with Samson Groupe Conseil/Lussier Dale Parizeau, the event took place over two days, September 18 and 19, in Mont-Tremblant. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels were able to take on a personal challenge by cycling a distance between 100 km and 808 km on one of the routes of this unique 404-km loop, all to benefit the FAEQ.
In these special times of pandemic, the organizing committee has worked extra hard to put in place an event that complies with the health measures dictated by Public Health in order to offer participants a safe, supervised, and memorable event.
What they said:
«This 4th edition was once again the setting for several lessons of courage and perseverance on the part of our participants, who managed to dig deep within themselves to achieve their challenge, whether 100 km or 808 km. At every edition for the past four years, I have been deeply moved by the stories of people who are astonished by their own inner strength and who realize, throughout their journey, that they are more tenacious than they thought. I am happy to have crossed the finish line of the 808 km solo after 35 hours and 16 minutes without sleeping while the nighttime temperature hovered around -5ºC. Congratulations and thank you to all our participants and partners for your dedication and kindness.»
– Dany Bonneville, President and Founder of the Défi 808 Bonneville
«I was thrilled to participate in the Défi 808 Bonneville and to discover such a professional, passionate, and rigorous organization in the execution of this cycling event, which was both safe and inspiring. Last year, I discovered the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence and was struck by their mission, vision, scholarship programs, and support services. The Défi 808 Bonneville successfully brought together cycling enthusiasts and raised awareness about the importance of supporting our young student-athletes in their academic, athletic, and career transition journeys. Together, we pedaled for the leaders of tomorrow!»
– Pierre Lavoie, 2020 Ambassador of the Défi 808 Bonneville
«I am pleased to have been able to attend this 4th edition of the Défi 808 Bonneville, which was organized with a high priority placed on compliance with health and social distancing rules. The participants easily adapted to a new way of doing things, for example, by starting in groups of only 10 on a spaced-out starting line. The 2020 edition was very important for the FAEQ from a fundraising perspective for our student-athletes. In these uncertain times, our scholarship recipients need guidance more than ever in balancing their sport and their studies as they proactively prepare for their post-athletic careers.»
– Claude Chagnon, President of the Foundation for Athletic Excellence
Scholarship holders and Olympians/Paralympians involved
The participants of the 2020 edition were able to share the road with about thirty FAEQ scholarship holders including Félix Bertrand (mogul skiing) / 404 km in 24h, Simone Boilard (cycling) and Luce Bourbeau (rowing) / 808 km in a team of 2, Jean-Marc Chouinard (fencing)/115 km, Manon Jutras(cycling) / combo 240 km, Amélie Kretz (triathlon) / 115 km, Caroline Ouellette (hockey)/115 km, Annie Pelletier (dive)/202 km in a 2-person team, Adam Roberge (cycling) new record for 404 km in 24h and Maximilien Van Haaster (fencing)/115 km. Benoit Huot, Roseline Filion, Joannie Rochette and Bruny Surin have meanwhile welcomed and posed, two meters away, with the cyclists who were proudly crossing the finish line or on the podium.
About the Bonneville 808 Challenge
The Bonneville 808 Challenge, benefiting the FAEQ, stands out for its unique 404 km loop, with the Tremblant resort as its central point, where cyclists of all levels take on a challenge ranging from 100 km to 808 km, solo or in teams of two or four, which includes the two very popular 115 km and 125 km loops to be ridden solo. For more details:
