Canadian cyclist David Veilleux will become the first Quebec-born to ever compete in cycling’s premier event, The Tour de France. (file photo)LAURENT REBOURS/The Associated Press
Canadian cyclist David Veilleux has announced he will pedal against the world's best at the Tour de France.
The 25-year-old will become the first Quebec-born to ever compete in cycling's premier event.
"It's now official," Veilleux wrote on his website Monday.
"My team chose me to participate in the 2013 Tour de France. I am extremely pleased by this news. I'm living a childhood dream and all my years of perseverance and discipline are being rewarded."
Veilleux excelled recently at the eight-stage Criterium du Dauphine race, where he wore the leader's yellow-and-blue jersey for three days.
He finished the competition in 60th position, 55 minutes behind winner and Tour de France favourite Christopher Froome.
Veilleux will be one of nine members of the Europcar team for the 100th edition of the Tour de France, which begins June 29. Pierre Rolland, who finished eighth in 2012, and former yellow-jersey holder and multiple-stage winner Thomas Voeckler will be the pillars of the team.