By Léandre Normand

Today I cry a collaborator but especially the friend always ready to solve my computer problems, small or larger.

I knew Hélène at the Tour de l’Abitibi, always available to explain a decision of the commissioners, give a ranking before its official release, justify a controversial decision of the officials or help compile the results between two editions. I will probably learn nothing new by saying that she had offered to take over from me for the compilation of the historical data of the Tour that I have been updating for more than 50 years now, seeing that no one raised his hand.

Nothing surprising knowing that in the Tour she was not limited to her duties as commissioner or judge at the arrival of the stages and sprints. We saw her everywhere: at the top of a hill for a sprint and at the finish line, at the training of the new officials and for some years at the anti-doping tests.

Her love for the younger athletes also naturally led her to work with them at my collectors’ shows in addition to taking care of the thankless task of entering the visitors lists of the show. Not to mention that she has become over the years a real resource for many – including me – in this constantly changing world of computing. I even learned a few years ago that she had occasionally become a babysitter to help a busy friend.

Aurevoir Hélène, my very dear friend, I am sure that you have taken up your beautiful complicity with your friend Lucette Bergeron, another passionate about cycling and a thousand other things like you. What you must have to remember!

I will remember your beautiful purple wick.

I will always remember you for your determination and enthusiasm. Because for you there is always a solution to every problem.

Goodbye Hélène and thank you for your beautiful complicity, your great availability and above all your sincere friendship.