Depuis (since) 2002
Cycle Zydeco was created by Joan & Doc Williams. With the assistance of Lafayette Visitors & Convention Center, the ride has evolved into what has been called the "Best Touring Ride in the US." Over that time the event has been covered by Adventure Cyling Association, The Austin Statesman, Detroit Free Press and several other magazines and newspapers.
In 2012, Lafayette Convention and Visitor Center transferred the event to Scott Schilling to help support the efforts and mission of TRAIL. Since 2013, the crew from TRAIL have been producing Cycle Zydeco with the support from numerous organizations.
In the past, proceeds from Cycle Zydeco have supported TRAIL, Evangeline Area Boy Scouts, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Cajun Cyclist racing teams along with other local civic organizations. A new partnership was founded in 2018 with Souffles D'Espoir, a non-profit organization founded by Bernard Hinault to support the fight against cancer. More about Bernard Hinault HERE.
We were honored to have Bernard Hinault attending as the "Le Capitaine de Cycle Zydeco" in 2018
Bernard Hinault
Le Capitaine de Cycle Zydeco 2018
Bernard Hinault is a five-time Tour de France champion, and the winner of multiple Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia tours. Mr. Hinault participated in the 2018 Cycle Zydeco as the first ever capitaine de Cycle Zydeco. We partnered to host a fundraiser for Mr. Hinault's charity, Les Souffles D'Espoir, which raises money for the "Eugène-Marquis" cancer center in Rennes, France. Mr. Hinault attended Cycle Zydeco as part of a partnership between TRAIL, the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, and Breizh Amerika to create a deeper connection between the regions of Brittany and Acadiana.
Hinault is known for his aggressive, attacking riding style, best summarized in his quote, "as long as I breathe, I attack." Once Mr. Hinault arrived in South Louisiana, we were hoping he would say "as long as I breathe, I Zydeco!"