The message that landed in Mario Belley’s inbox in June 2024 began with these words: “It is with immense pleasure that we announce you as the winner in the cyclotourism category of Gala de reconnaissance de Tourisme Montérégie”
The award was to be presented the following November, crowning a very busy and exceptional year for the small but dynamic team at Voyager à vélo, a company specializing in cycling tours and logistics for two-wheeled adventures.
The Montérégie tourist association presented him with this award in recognition of “his exceptional commitment and remarkable achievements within this industry.”
Voyager à vélo was even in the running for the Public Choice Award!
“Credibility”
“It’s a nice pat on the back that we received at that moment,” says founder Mario Belley. “We are very happy because it is recognition that gives credibility to what we have been doing for ten years now.”
“The tourism industry recognizes the importance of our product and our effectiveness with cyclotourism customers.”
The jury noted the usefulness of his service in accompanying cyclists and its positive impact on the carbon footprint.
Mario Belley
Mr. Belley is all the more honored that the distinction is given to him by the region where he grew up for forty years.
“I lived for 40 years in Valleyfield. It is a source of pride for me to be recognized by this region,” adds the man who was a real estate agent for ten years before founding Voyager à vélo.
“The Tourisme Montérégie organization supports the development of cycling. It is one of the few ATRs to actively support the development of cyclotourism.”
Fuel
The list of gala winners was even published on Tourismexpress.com, which covers news about the tourism industry in Quebec, another opportunity for Voyager à vélo to shine even more.
The evening brought together all the major players in the Montérégie tourism world. It was preceded by the second edition of the Tourism Forum held by Tourisme Montérégie in Longueuil.
Such recognition can only provide fuel for the years to come for this great cyclist, founder of the organization Le Saint-Laurent à vélo.
2025 will once again be full of promising initiatives for Voyager à vélo, a company already offering cycling trip ideas in Quebec and Ontario, advice for organizing rides, luggage transport, shuttles and convoying.
Bike rental
Among them is the development of a bicycle rental service. And not just any rental service; it will be possible to take possession of the bike at point A to go to point B, without having to return to the starting point, he explains.
“This is our big project,” summarizes Mario Belley. “We have developed routes.”
“Our goal is to encourage bicycle tourism. With our professional services, people can travel by bike without any hassle. It’s easy. We have circuits adapted to many styles of cyclists.”
With this new service and its many initiatives, Voyager à vélo continues to pave the way for accessible and innovative cyclotourism. The 2025 cycling season is already shaping up to be a year of great achievements, declares Mario Belley with pride.