Louis Garneau: Never Give Up

Author Henri Marineau,

who was also Louis Garneau’s Grade 10 school teacher, has gathered a collection of some of the most important and personal experiences in Garneau’s life, which have led to his success as a bike racer, family man, artist and entrepreneur.

The three-part biography begins with Garneau’s early years and life growing up in Quebec. It also describes his ancestry dating back to 1634 in France, the settlement of the Garneaus in Quebec and the union of his parents, Paul Garneau and Jeannine Lehoux. Marineau also writes about Garneau’s first job selling newspapers at 10 years old and the lessons his father taught him about running a business. The foundation for the future entrepreneur was set early.

Part 2 highlights the purchase of Garneau’s first racing bike and the start of his career in cycling in the early 1970s. It gives a detailed recount of his experiences with the Canadian national team and at international events, such as the world championships and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The book is filled with old photos of family and friends, and newspaper clippings from bike races that he participated in, including his winning moment at the 1983 Tour de la Porte Oceane in Normandy, France.

Marineau speaks to Garneau’s success as a businessman during the third and final part of the biography. In 1983, the former cyclist launched a cycling apparel company, Louis Garneau Sports Inc., out of his father’s garage. Today, the company is one of the most successful in the cycling industry. It continues to create cycling clothing, equipment and nutritional products. This year Louis Garneau Sports Inc. celebrates its 30th anniversary.

This book is not just a biography for cyclists. It is a powerful story for anyone who believes that hard work, determination, persistence and passion are the keys to success in sports, business and life.