Virée des Monts
Two days of gravel adventure in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Nearly 150 cyclists lined up for this two-day gravel race at the end of August. Come along as we follow the journey of our women’s gravel racing team.
Texte: Jade Chrétien & Gabrielle Simoneau
Photos: Jade Chrétien
About two and a half hours north of Québec City, nestled between Lac-Saint-Jean and the Saguenay Fjord, lies a vast network of forest roads winding through woodlands and blueberry fields. It was in this wild and stunning setting that La Virée des Monts took place—a two-day gravel race that brought together nearly 150 cyclists at the end of August.
A strong Devinci presence
For this edition, every member of our women’s gravel team lined up at the start. Several Devinci employees also took on the challenge. In the peloton, it was impossible to miss the strong presence of our Hatchets, ready to devour the gravel covered kilometers.
Day 1: A tough start
After a team breakfast, the day’s route promised 100 km with about 550 m of climbing. On paper, it looked manageable—but the trails told another story. Loose sand, narrow technical sections, and relentless headwinds on the open stretches quickly turned the ride into a real challenge.
Despite the tough conditions, our athletes shined: Charlotte, Maude, and Anna all landed on the podium, closely followed by the rest of the team.
Post-race, it was straight to a quick wash-up before gathering around a traditional feast under the big tent. Tired smiles, good food, and a warm atmosphere already had everyone looking forward to next year.
Day 2: Back at it!
The second day offered a shorter course: 50 km with just under 300 m of climbing. More of a “short track” feel—faster and more tactical. Shorter, yes, but the fatigue from Day 1 was still in the legs. True to team spirit, the girls started together and once again delivered: three riders climbed onto the podium—Maude, Anna, and Gabrielle.
Beyond the results, what really stood out was the vibe: participants of all ages, riders helping each other through the hard sections, and a true sense of community.
More than just a race: a local celebration
At Devinci, we’re proud to be deeply connected to the passion that drives cycling communities. And what could be more local than a gravel event just a few kilometers from our factory?
La Virée des Monts reminded us why we love riding together so much: the camaraderie, the shared challenges, and the pure joy of exploring our trails. One thing’s for sure—we’ll be back next year.
