Cyclists pitting for COVID vaccines at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

MONTREAL (CityNews) – It’s a whole festive operation down in the paddocks of Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, as cyclists can enjoy receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in a “pit stop” format.

Instead of hosting drivers and fast cars ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the track is welcoming cyclists to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The province is hoping to reach its goal of vaccinating 75 per cent of the population in the coming weeks.

“You have a chance to cycle or driving on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and then you go inside the garage it’s quite unique,” explained Francois Dumontier, president and CEO of the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix. “We did try to put some event around the vaccination process, so you can feel it like not like the grand prix, but a feeling you are at the track and get a feeling of it.”

People arrive on a bike, check in and sit in the same seat to receive the injection and wait for 15 minutes before they can take off again.

The event is reserved for cyclists on Saturday and Sunday with or without an appointment from 10am to 4pm. On Saturday alone 500 people booked their appointments.

Many saying, this has turned out to be the coolest and most memorable activity in recent months.

“One it’s a way to get all three of us in one go if you will and to be able to come here to Gilles Villeneuve. I thought it was a cool way to get our first dose,” said a Montrealer.

The province is planning to put out a new vaccination schedule next week for second doses.

As of June 7th, you’d be able to advance second appointments via the Clic Sante website, and the same priority list would apply.

For those wanting to drive through the paddocks, the event will continue next weekend.

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