Le Tour des Collèges is a commemorative cycling initiative led by alumni of Canada’s military colleges to celebrate two historic milestones: the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and the 75th anniversary of Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMCSJ).
In September 2026, a team of alumni cyclists—known as the “Older Eighteen” in tribute to RMC’s first class of cadets—will ride approximately 450 kilometers from RMC Saint-Jean to RMC via Ottawa, arriving at RMC during Reunion Weekend. The project reflects the enduring values of leadership, service, and commitment that define the Canadian Military Colleges.
The following alumni cyclists the “Older Eighteen” have committed to undertaking this commemorative journey in support of Canada’s military colleges:
- Bruce McAlpine 72 (CMR RMC)
- Jim McKenna 86 (RMC)
- Helga Rausch 86 (RMC)
- Glen MacKay 79 (RMC)
- Garry McCracken 74 (CMR RMC)
- John Pavelich 78 (CMR)
- Sharon Donnelly 90 (RMC)
- Alan Cassels 86 RRMC RMC
- Chris Cole 88 (RMC)
- George Vanderkuur 65 (RMC)
- Tim Gijzen 82 (RRMC RMC)
- Terry Buehl 89 (RMC)
- Chris Peachment 73 (RMC)
- Yvan Beaupré 72 (CMR RMC)
- Paul Stanborough 85 (RMC)
- Louise Leblanc 86 (CMR)
- Michel Nazair 85 (CMR RMC)
- Eric McKay 80 (CMR RMC)
- Al Wongkee 86 (RMC)
The primary purpose of the Cycling Project is for the team to raise $150,000 in support of the Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association. Funds raised will be directed equally to the Museum Project and the Truth, Duty, Valour Fund, supporting both Colleges and preserving their legacy for future generations.
In addition to generating financial support, the project seeks to:
- Strengthen awareness and goodwill for Canada’s military colleges;
- Engage alumni, friends, and supporters across the country; and
- Cultivate lasting connections with alumni and supporters through a visible initiative that reflects the shared values and traditions of Canada’s military colleges.
Each participating cyclist commits to meeting defined training standards and to raising a minimum level of donations, underscoring the collective responsibility and personal dedication required to achieve the project’s fundraising goal.
Biographies of the participating riders, along with information on how to donate in support of Le Tour des Collèges, will be shared in the coming weeks. These updates will highlight the personal connection each cyclist has to Canada’s military colleges and provide clear opportunities for alumni, friends, and supporters to contribute to the success of this commemorative fundraising initiative.
Le Tour des Collèges is more than a cycling event—it is a shared effort to honour the past, support the present, and invest meaningfully in the future of Canada’s military colleges.
For more information please contact Bruce McAlpine at [email protected]
“This cycling adventure by our intrepid and resilient classmates, linking together RMC Saint-Jean and RMC, is a fitting tribute to our Colleges on these historic anniversaries, commemorating leadership, service and sacrifice.” General (Retired) Walt Natynczyk, OC CMM MSC CD, former Chief of Defence Staff