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
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.