Tour de North riders prepare for Northern B.C. journey with training ride this weekend

QUESNEL — With the 2026 Cops for Cancer Tour de North just weeks away, riders are preparing to hit the road for an escorted training ride between Quesnel and Williams Lake this weekend.

The training event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, will give residents an opportunity to see the team in action as cyclists build strength and teamwork ahead of the annual fundraising tour across Northern British Columbia.

The Tour de North brings together police officers and emergency personnel who cycle hundreds of kilometres through northern communities to raise money and awareness for children and families affected by cancer. Organizers say the ride is about more than fundraising, highlighting the strong sense of community that exists throughout the region.

“What makes Tour de North special is the people,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, media lead for Tour de North and media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. “Whether it’s a wave from the side of the road, a handmade sign in a small town, or an entire community coming together to welcome the riders, the support we receive from northern residents is truly inspiring. This is more than a bike ride. It’s a celebration of the generosity, resilience, and strong community spirit that defines the North.”