August 9/99 2:36 am - Raid Pierre Harvey Press Release

Posted by Editoress on 08/9/99
 

RAID PIERRE HARVEY GETS PRESTIGIOUS D2 UCI SANCTION

RAID PIERRE HARVEY : WHAT MOUNTAIN BIKING IS ALL ABOUT !


Québec City, Canada-The 8th edition of the RAID PIERRE HARVEY will be held August 27 to 29. This 3 day, 300 kilometer race is the only cross-country mountain bike stage race of its kind in North America. Now a D2 UCI race with 9, 000 $ (cdn) in prize money, the organizers are expecting to attract around 40 world class riders who will be trying to win up to 70 points on the world cup circuit. 500 mountainbikers will line up at the starting line in different categories. 350 other riders will join the group on the last 35 kilometer leg of the race for a total of close to 900 participants.

The race starts in Chicoutimi, north of Québec City and winds down 300 kilometers to Quebec city through mountains, along lakes and rivers in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides, one of the provinces most beautiful state parks. Altitude varies from 10 to 1,025 meters above sea level.

What mountain biking is all about !

While this race represents quite a challenge for the elite, it is nonetheless accessible to recreational riders. The typical biker is in the 30 to 40 year old bracket looking for a personal challenge along with the nature experience. It is a unique course in a unique setting : the perfect mix of sport and outdoor tourism. Riders can choose hotel accomodations ( meals included ) or may camp out. Transportation of personnal effects and equipment is provided in both cases. A staff of 230 persons is devoted to the participants' security and well being. So get on your bike and start training ! For registration consult our web site at http://www.quebec.com.rph.


A bit of history !

The event is named after Pierre Harvey. A sports icon in Quebec, Harvey took part in 4 olympic games ( '76, '80, '84, '88 ) in cycling and cross-country skiing. He has been a dominating figure in mountainbiking for the last 10 years. He now works as a consultant in designing cross country skiiing and mountainbike venues.

Ten years ago, Pierre Harvey decided to create an annual mountainbike race that would serve as a fund raiser for amateur athletes. His dream came true in 1992 when he and 40 other riders took on the 300 kilometer challenge for the very first time.

The event is now on the verge of becoming an international landmark in mountainbiking stage races!


Source :
Paul Burroughs, media relations coordinator
Phone : 418.524.4664 Fax : 418.524.9299