World Series Finals to crown downhill and cross-country champions, a world-class event organized by a new local production team.
April 27, 2023
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The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, which has been the region's flagship event for over 30 years, is set to return to Mont-Sainte-Anne during the Thanksgiving vacation. The 2023 edition, taking place from October 5 to 9, will feature the final events of the UCI World Series, ultimately crowning champions in downhill, Olympic cross-country and short track. More than 375 athletes from 33 countries will conclude their season in front of their fans at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
A renewed organization
This year, the long-standing mountain bike festival known as Vélirium, which has been organized by Gestev since its inception, is undergoing significant changes. It will have a new production team, a new name, and a new image, and will also be broadcast by Warner Bros. Discovery, marking a major shift in the event's promotion and exposure. However, the festival's successful formula will remain the same and will deliver the same strong emotions and festive atmosphere that it has become known for. Visitors can expect an exciting range of activities, including thrilling competitions, lively evening events, an exhibitor village, and a diverse program for people of all ages.
The Corporation Événements d'été de Québec (CEEQ) has chosen Mouvement
Production, led by Ian Beaulieu and Jean Fortier, to produce the event following a
renewed organizational structure.
Both Beaulieu and Fortier are well-known in the greater Quebec City area for their
expertise in organizing major international sporting events, and they will be supported by a team of passionate and experienced professionals, including the team of Velosolutions Canada, who have been in charge of creating and constructing the WC trails for many years.
"The vast majority of our collaborators participating in the 2023 edition have more than 15 years of experience in the field, ensuring the event's quality and legendary success," explains Sébastien Roy, President of the Board of Directors. “The positive impact and benefits of the World Cup extend beyond the sport, benefiting the Côte-de-Beaupré and greater Quebec City area, as well as young athletes and mountain bike enthusiasts of all ages. We are privileged to have had the Union Cycliste Internationale's confidence for three decades to showcase this sport in Mont-Sainte-Anne. We also extend our gratitude to Gestev for organizing an event of this magnitude," he concludes.
Five days of activities to unite around the passion of mountain biking!
Organized for the first time under the fall colors, the 2023 edition will offer an enhanced program, over a period of five days.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to organize such an iconic event in the region, and we're excited to extend the festivities over five days during the long Thanksgiving vacation," says Ian Beaulieu, Production Director and co-owner of Mouvement Production. "We are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience, true to the previous editions, and showcasing our expertise in organizing major international sporting events. Seeing the entire Côte-de-Beaupré region rally behind this year's event is incredible, and we have complete confidence that our team will deliver an event that will leave a lasting impression on mountain bike fans. With the fall colors as a breathtaking backdrop, an enhanced program, and an electric atmosphere, the 2023 edition of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience."
In addition to the UCI World Cup events, the 2023 edition will feature the first-ever UCI Pump Track Qualifier, allowing winners to secure a spot in the 2023 World
Championships. This nationally and internationally recognized event will showcase the new Mont-Sainte-Anne Pump Track course and promote this emerging discipline.
For young athletes aged 2 to 12, the traditional amateur competition formerly known as Véli-Kidz will return on Monday, October 9. The "Mini-Cup," presented by Desjardins and organized in partnership with the Mont-Sainte-Anne Cycling Club, is sure to provide fun for children and their families.
The full program, which will be announced at a later date, will include the popular "after-races" festivities presented by Boréale beer on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after the competitions, featuring shows and entertainment.
Strong support and confidence from Développement Côte-de-Beaupré, Mont-Sainte-Anne and numerous partners
The changes implemented by the CEEQ in 2023 benefits from the support of various partners, including Développement Côte-de-Beaupré.
"We're pleased to support and accompany the CEEQ in organizing the 2023 World Cup, a legendary event for Mont-Sainte-Anne and the Côte-de-Beaupré. Développement Côte-de-Beaupré hopes that the World Cup will continue to position our region internationally, and we're committed to contributing more than a quarter of a million dollars this year to ensure the event's sustainability," says Daniel Robitaille, President of Développement Côte-de-Beaupré.
“The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup hosted at Mont-Sainte-Anne is a source of pride for our teams, and we are delighted to welcome back this major event that enhances the region's reputation," explains Maxime Cretin, General Manager and Vice-President of the Eastern Region at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. “The Mont-Sainte-Anne stop has a rich history on the UCI circuit and inspires numerous international and Canadian mountain bikers each year. We are proud to work to ensure the sustainability of this annual event and look forward to sharing the excitement with all mountain bikers this October.”
The CEEQ would like to express its gratitude to Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Sport Canada, the Ministère de l'éducation et de l'enseignement supérieur, the Ministère du tourisme, the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale, Destination Québec Cité, as well as the City of Beaupré and the Municipality of Saint-Ferréol-les- Neiges for their invaluable support.
Moreover, the CEEQ is proud to have Delta Hotel Marriott, Desjardins, and Boréale beer as official partners.
The Mont-Sainte-Anne MTB World Cup in numbers:
3 sports disciplines: downhill, Olympic cross-country, and short-track crosscountry;
Expected to welcome 48,000 visitors;
Supported by 500 passionate volunteers;
Estimated to generate $3 million in economic returns for the region
Attracting over 100 local, regional, and international journalists;
Will be broadcast on national and international television.
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