99 Bikes to celebrate the 99th uci road world championships
MAPEI Canada, in collaboration with Cycling Canada, recently held the third edition of the Build-to-Give initiative in the lead-up to the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. Together, along with help from Espoirs Laval, 99 bicycles were assembled and donated to families in need across the region of Greater Montreal.
The initiative took place over two days, our Build Day on September 18, followed by the bicycle donation day on September 23. Together, the events brought out more than 50 volunteers from MAPEI Canada and Cycling Canada, along with their partners, Espoirs Laval, the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC) and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).
Elected officials from the region also pitched in on the project. Yannick Langlois, city councillor for the L’Orée-des-Bois district, representing Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer came to lend a hand on the build day. On September 23, Mercedez Plante, borough councillor in Outremont, attended the bicycle donation day on behalf of Montréal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada. Their participation highlighted the community impact of this initiative and the importance of joining forces to make a tangible difference in our communities.
A deeply human experience and a growing commitment
The Give Day on September 23 was undoubtedly the highlight of the project. In addition to receiving new bikes, our new riders took part in an introductory skills session led by experts from Cycling Canada and Espoirs Laval, as well as bicycle safety training delivered by SPVM officers. These activities were designed to build their skills, confidence and, above all, their love of the sport.
A surprise visit from former and current Canadian professional cyclists, including Magdeleine Vallières Mill, the 2025 UCI Women’s Elite Road World Champion, provided the perfect finishing touch to an amazing day.
“The smiles on the children’s faces, the gratitude and the sense of freedom in their eyes—that’s why we do what we do. Our team came together to make cycling more accessible to young people in the community. It’s a simple gesture, but one that makes a real difference. We hope it inspires other companies to do the same!” – Mick Kopis, Marketing Director, MAPEI Canada
Launched in 2024, the Build-to-Give initiative initially assembled and donated 25 bicycles to families with limited resources in Greater Montréal. The following year, MAPEI Canada doubled its commitment, donating 50 bicycles to children in the Delta area of British Columbia. This third edition builds on that momentum, highlighting the power of cycling to encourage physical activity, independence and community participation.
Beyond the competition: a legacy for the next generation
With this edition of Build-to-Give initiative, MAPEI Canada and Cycling Canada hope to help extend the legacy of this major sporting event beyond the race course. Giving more young people the opportunity to discover cycling and make it part of their everyday lives.
“Giving more young people access to bicycles also helps build their self-confidence. Initiatives like this would not be possible without partners such as MAPEI Canada, who truly understand the impact we can have on our communities when we work together” – Josh Peacock, Director Business Development and Communications, Cycling Canada
