Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau departs from Sherbrooke
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Fifty cyclists departed from Sherbrooke on July 3 to kick off the 29th edition of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, a two-day fundraising ride supporting pediatric cancer research. The riders, including several pediatric hemato-oncologists, left from the Fleurimont Hospital of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, bound for Boucherville after a morning send-off ceremony.
Organized by the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, the tour aims to raise $3.5 million across eight routes this year. Since its inception, the tour has collected over $50 million in support of children with cancer in Quebec.
“This is a path that’s tattooed on my heart,” said Florence Breton, cancer survivor and tour spokesperson, at the event. “It’s the power of the group, all of your efforts, and the presence of our medical teams that give real meaning to this challenge.” Breton noted how powerful it was that oncologists who usually work behind the scenes with their patients were now joining cyclists on the road.
Dr. Josée Brossard, pediatric oncologist at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, addressed the crowd despite not riding this year. “You know why you’re here,” she told the cyclists. “Each pedal stroke is a message of support for the children, their families, and the healthcare professionals who fight for them every day”.
Also present was professional cyclist and event ambassador James Piccoli. “The Tour is not just a physical challenge. It’s an act of solidarity—a sign of courage and a testament that together, we can truly make a difference,” he said.
The ceremony also honoured 11-year-old Charlotte Trudel of Coaticook, who was named the “jeune héroïne” for the Sherbrooke and Saint-Hyacinthe routes. Charlotte, currently in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, receives treatment at the hospital’s pediatric oncology unit. She joined cyclists at the start line alongside her father, inspiring riders with her courage and humour.
Each cyclist is symbolically paired with a child affected by cancer and wears their photo during the ride. “These faces give us strength,” said Breton. “They are why we do this. They’re our heroes”.
Funds raised during the tour support the Fondation’s Signature project, a major genomics initiative that has already improved care trajectories for more than 350 children across the province. The project aims to provide personalized therapies by decoding tumour DNA, with the goal of increasing survival rates and reducing treatment side effects.
According to a related release, this year’s Sherbrooke route spans 275 kilometres over two days, ending in Boucherville with a celebration that will bring together participants from across Quebec. More than 700 cyclists are participating in the 2025 edition across all routes.
For more information or to donate, visit www.tourccb.ca.
