Quebec Para cyclist continues journey in sport at Canada Games

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Just months after his first ride in a handcycle, Joseph Vachon is a double Canada Games champion.

The 27-year-old from Rouyn-Noranda, Que. took the gold medal in both the time trial and the road race as Para cycling events were contested for the first time ever at the Games.

‘’It’s starting to hit me now that I’m the first ever champion in Para cycling at the Canada Games,’’ Vachon told Radio-Canada. ‘’It’s a bit surreal to be at this level of competition so soon.’’

The 2025 Canada Games run until August 25 in St. John’s, N.L.

Just three months ago, Vachon had never heard of Para cycling but a chance meeting at the Ottawa marathon sparked his interest. Two years ago, the arborist was injured when he fell 30 metres out of a tree.

“I did the half marathon in my wheelchair and I met another Quebecer there who did the marathon and he put me in contact with the Quebec Cycling Federation,” recalled Vachon, about his Ottawa marathon meeting. “They contacted me and said they needed an athlete to go compete at the Canada Games.

“I am not one to turn down a challenge, so I said, ‘Of course, let’s go and by the way what is Para cycling’”.

At the national Para cycling championships in June, his first major event in the sport, he collected two silver medals.

In St. John’s, he finished two seconds ahead of his closest pursuer in the 25 kilometre road race. It was also a decisive win in the 11 kilometre time trial.

‘’It went well,’’ he said. ‘’It was quite a difficult course. Our coach Eric [Van Den Eynde], who has been doing this since before I was born, says it was an international-level course.’’

Vachon wants to show the potential to one day go to the Paralympic Games. After some tough stretches since his accident, sport is providing goals in his life.

“A couple of months ago it was a hard time for me and I started praying and trying to live right and then a lot of good people came into my life,’’ he said.

With two gold medals and his name etched in history, perhaps Vachon may one day join a long list of Paralympians who ignited their careers at the Canada Games.