Vancouver cyclist's world record attempt cut short by frightening accident
A Vancouver cyclist who was raising money for ovarian cancer research by attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to ride across Canada had to stop in Quebec after colliding with a motorcycle.
Bianca Hayes’ journey was inspired by her 32-year-old sister Katrina, who died of ovarian cancer in 2018.
“I just knew that I had to do something,” said Hayes. “I started with the Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2018, and that was really the start of my road cycling.”
Two years later, Hayes rode from Vancouver to Halifax in just 19 days, an unofficial record for a female cyclist.
In order to make it in the Guinness Book of World Records, she was told she’d have to do it again, this time in 15 days. Hayes decided to make it a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada.
“That takes a lot of grit and strength and determination. It’s definitely not an easy feat, so I was just blown away that she was taking on such a huge challenge,” said Tara Defoe with Ovarian Cancer Canada
Hayes left Vancouver on June 13. She said everything was on track until she hit the prairies. “Saskatchewan and Manitoba were not so nice to me unfortunately,” said Hayes, who was slowed down by huge headwinds and blistering heat.
She quickly regained her world record pace, and then disaster struck in Quebec.
“The motorcyclist saw me at the last minute and tried to brake. The motorcycle ended up skidding out from underneath him on its side and flying at me. It took my bike out from underneath me,” said Hayes. She sustained a concussion and a sprained ankle.
“I was heart broken thinking of her laying here and all the feelings emotions going through her mind, let alone dealing with injuries at the same time,” said Defoe.
Hayes is grateful the motorcycle hit her bike, and not her body.
“All things considered, it’s very lucky for what could have been a very, very horrible accident,” said Hayes. “While the record was cut short and the bike ride had to end, the fundraising continues.”
Hayes has already raised over $112,000, and hopes Canadians will continue to donate to Ovarian Cancer Canada.
“I’m hopeful that by telling my story and talking about what happened and explaining all the hardships we endured to get here, that it will inspire people and hopefully get them to donate and continue to support our cause,” said Hayes.
“She wants to raise a million dollars,” said Defoe. “And she has a very passionate reason, losing her sister Katrina, and in her words she doesn’t want any other family to go though what they went through.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.