The Grands Prix Cyclistes of Québec and Montréal: unique events in Quebec
Every year, the Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec and Montréal attract the world's best riders for the only UCI World Tour races in North America. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting sporting experience, these two races are a spectacle not to be missed!
The Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec and Montréal are two professional cycling races on the UCI World Tour calendar, the world's elite cycling races. While the bulk of this most prestigious category of races takes place in Europe, these are the only events held in North America. These events offer a unique opportunity to see world-renowned racers in action on our continent, in the magnificent setting of historic Quebec City and Montreal's Mont-Royal mountain. This year, come and see us on Friday,
September 8 in Quebec City
and Sunday,
September 10 in Montreal
!
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec is traditionally the first of two races, usually held on the Friday of Grand Prix week in early September. This 201 km urban race takes riders through the cobblestone streets of Quebec City's old town, offering a unique spectacle in a historic setting.
Cyclists compete on a demanding course dotted with several very steep climbs, such as Côte de la Montagne (almost 400 m at an average gradient of 10%, with sections at 13%) and Côte de la Potasse (420 m at 9%), before finishing on the ascent of Grande Allée (1 km at 4%), for a total of 2,976 m of positive vertical drop. With the route still steep and numerous tight bends, this creates a perfect playground for puncheurs and specialists in the Flandrian classics, whose course is very similar.
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal takes over on the Sunday of Grand Prix week. This 221 km race takes place on a hilly and spectacular course in the cosmopolitan metropolis that is Montreal. The riders climb Mount Royal several times via the Camilien-Houde route, well known to Montreal cyclists. This gives spectators a panoramic view of Montreal, while experiencing the excitement of the race.
Compared with the Quebec City circuit, the Montreal circuit features a long, demanding climb up Camilien-Houde (1.8 km at 8%), a fast descent, and two other fairly steep bumps: côte de Polytechnique (800 m at 6%, including a 200 m section at 11%) and côte de Pagnuelo (just over 500 m at 7.5%). All this makes for an exciting challenge for puncheurs-grimpeurs on a course with 4842 m of positive vertical drop, bringing it closer to the Ardennes or even Italian classics.
Why attend these races?
1. A unique opportunity to see the world's best riders in North America
Every year, the Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec and Montréal attract a field of world-class riders. In 2023, the headliners include Julian Alaphilippe, the Yates brothers, Michael Matthews and Jai Hindley, as well as Canadian pro stars Michael Woods, Hugo Houle and Guillaume Boivin. In 2022, Wout Van Aert and Tadej Pogacar were present, and it was the latter who won in Montreal. As these are the only UCI World Tour events in North America, it's by far the best opportunity to see many of the world's best riders come together on our continent!
2. A festive atmosphere in Montreal and Québec
The atmosphere at these races is electric. The streets are bustling, the fans are enthusiastic, and the cheers echo along the route. Whether you're a cycling fan or just looking for a fun day out with the family, these races offer a festive atmosphere for all.
3. Walk through the nice areas of Old Quebec and Mount Royal Park
The race routes allow you to discover Quebec City and Montreal from a different angle. You'll ride along the cobblestone streets of Quebec City, through the beautiful neighborhoods of Montreal, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views as you experience the excitement of the race. As the race route is a circuit, it's easy to get from one point to the other by strolling through the streets of Old Quebec or Mount Royal Park.
The Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et Montréal is much more than just a cycling competition. They are world-class sporting events that offer a unique experience in the heart of Quebec.
Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just curious, don't miss the chance to take part in this exciting sporting adventure.
Visit the official Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et Montréal website for more information on dates, times and ticket options.
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