- Bikes stolen in Winnipeg during a cross-Canada ride for men's mental health.
- Val Duquenne and Thomas Clark were conducting an interview with CBC Manitoba when they discovered their bikes had been stolen.
- Police are urging community members to assist by providing tips or security footage related to the theft.
- The cyclists are part of the Men Don’t Ride Alone campaign, which started in North Sydney, N.S., and aims to raise funds for Movember Canada.
- The stolen bikes, valued at $15,000 to $20,000, were locked to a rack on their support car when the theft occurred.
- Duquenne and Clark began their journey on June 22 and have raised $6,500 so far for their cause.
- The impetus for their ride stems from Duquenne's personal struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
- The cyclists expressed their disappointment over the theft, emphasizing the community support they received.
Val Duquenne and Thomas Clark, two friends from New Brunswick, are cycling across Canada to raise awareness for men’s mental health through their campaign, Men Don’t Ride Alone. They began their journey on June 22, aiming to raise $250,000 for Movember Canada and have already raised $6,500.467
Tragically, while stopping for an interview at CBC Manitoba in Winnipeg, their bikes were stolen. The U-lock securing their bikes was cut, and the theft occurred around 7:40 a.m. on Young Street, just off Portage Avenue. The bikes, valued between $15,000 and $20,000, were a Trek SL 5 and a Cannondale Synapse, both gifted to them by the community.25
Duquenne expressed the emotional toll of the theft, stating, “Those bikes were given to us by the community. Mine was given to me by a veteran … so it's definitely hard.” Winnipeg police are investigating and have urged the public to assist by sharing any tips or security footage. “Unfortunately bike theft continues to be a property crime of opportunity that challenges our community and law enforcement,” a police spokesperson noted.3
Despite the setback, both cyclists remain determined to continue their journey. “If we have to run it, we'll run it. We're making it happen,” Duquenne said, while Clark added, “We will finish this and keep the cause going, for sure.” The community has rallied around them, offering support and encouragement during this challenging time.
Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to contact the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-2426.
“The U-lock securing the Trek and Cannondale bikes to a car rack was cut while the men were inside CBC's studio for a 30-minute interview; police have released photos of the bicycles and are asking for surveillance footage. The pair, who began their Men Don't Ride Alone campaign on June 22, have so far raised $6,500 toward their $250,000 goal for Movember Canada.”
Winnipeg Free Press
