The 15th Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal will take place on 11 and 13 September, respectively. The former takes place on the city circuit of Plaines d’Abraham over 20 laps, where the Côte de la Montagne (600m at 9%) poses the main challenge, alongside a technical descent and tight corners. In the 206km race, a constant positioning battle will see riders cover 2,780m of elevation, usually culminating in a reduced bunch sprint for Classics specialists on the Plains of Abraham.
Following that explosive opener, riders face a tougher test in Montréal around the Université de Montréal circuit. It promises to be a significantly more demanding race, with riders tackling 4,304m of elevation across 16 laps covering 214.4km. Climbers have tended to excel in recent editions, and the Côte Camillien-Houde (1.6km at 7.7%) serves as an ideal rehearsal for those targeting the rainbow jersey at the upcoming UCI Road World Championships on 27 September.
Team Leader Afonso Eulálio said:
“After the Giro, I took time to rest and reset both physically and mentally. Together with the team, we built a solid plan for the second and final phase of the season. It is an intense month ahead; I feel extremely motivated, ready and strong for the challenge.”
“Now, we are going all-in for this final month, starting in Canada with Québec and Montréal. We have a very strong squad going for it by preparing impeccably under the best possible conditions, so we will see how things unfold. The team is in great form at the moment, and we are heading to both races with 100% motivation.”
“Québec is a more open race, whereas Montréal will be tougher and quite similar to the World Championships, making it a great recon opportunity. Both are long, hard, and punchy Classics with short climbs—precisely the kind of racing I enjoy most. We’re ready to give it our all and enjoy the challenge.”
Afonso will take the helm for both races, with Alessandro Borgo acting as co-leader in Québec should the race come down to a reduced bunch sprint. Edoardo Zambanini back on familiar ground previously secured a top-10 finish in both events in 2024. Nikias Arndt and Robert Stannard brings invaluable experience to the squad, while Oliver Stockwell, Alec Segaert, and Alessandro Borgo are among the debutants completing our roster in Canada, offering crucial support across different phases of the racing.
Sports Director Aart Vierhouten added:
“We head to Canada with a very strong lineup for both Canadian races. Québec is typically a more open affair, but it’s worth noting that this year’s edition featured a revised course. The loop was shortened to 10km instead of 12km, meaning less recovery time between efforts and a harder race overall with climbing legs tested on every lap. Because of that reduced recovery, it is less likely to favor pure sprinters this time around.”
“Ultimately, the race will be shaped by the riders and the team tactics. Our primary focus in Québec City is on two riders: Afonso and Alessandro. Both are in great condition and traveling to Canada with high morale, backed by a strong support team tailored to this terrain.”
“In Montréal, we will race with a single leader in Afonso. The circuit suits his profile exceptionally well. The climb is steep enough to drop many riders, but not so extreme that only pure GC contenders remain.”
“The key dynamic this year is the absence of Tadej Pogacar and UAE’s absolute strongest lineup. That will undoubtedly alter the race’s character. Rather than a steady elimination race where riders get shelled off the back every lap under a brutal tempo, I expect a slightly lower pace and a more chaotic, tactical environment.”
“Our main tactical objective will be maintaining complete control and concentration throughout. We cannot afford to lose grip on the race early or miss key breakaways before the finale. It presents a fantastic opportunity for us and our riders to race assertively.”
