Following race-packed Sunday, with the team competing on three fronts and adding a victory to our 2024 tally, this week sees a 7-man strong squad flying to Canada to compete in the only two events on the UCI WorldTour calendar to be held in North America: the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), known for their challenging city circuits and high spectator engagement.
The 13th edition of the GPCQM promises intense competition with top contenders, among whom will be Bahrain Victorious champions Matej Mohorič and Santiago Buitrago. The Slovenian classics rider and Colombian climber will lead the team respectively in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec on Friday 13th September, and in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, two days later.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec features 16 laps of a 12.6 kilometer course, totaling 201.6 kilometers and nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
TBV Sports Director Michal Golas highlighted the race’s demanding nature, stating, “The GP Québec is usually decided in the final kilometers, often with a late attack or sprint finish. The punchy course suits punchers like Mohorič, who already showed his talent in past editions of the race. Alongside him, as co-leader, Edoardo Zambanini will have his chance, making the most of the good shape he demonstrated in the last months.”
“As the race requires a constant fight for every corner, we need to keep focus all day to prevent crashes, and to ride saving energy. The role of the helpers will be to protect the leaders until the final lap to save energy. It will be the task of Matevž Govekar, fresh from winning the final stage of the Tour of Britain, and Nicolò Buratti.
Nikias Arndt will be our road captain and we have two extraordinary supporters like Pello Bilbao, and a debutant in Canada, Santiago Buitrago.”
The team will also compete in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Sunday, September 15. This race features 17 laps of a 12.3-kilometer course with over 4,573 metres of climbing, making it the more challenging of the two events. Buitrago will be the primary leader, with the race profile favouring climbers. Bahrain Victorious aim to adopt an aggressive strategy, getting riders in breakaways and following significant moves.
Golas says, “The GP Montréal is more demanding with its multiple climbs. Pello Bilbao will be our co-leader, while the rest of the team will focus on supporting and making breakaways.”
With a strategic approach and top-class talent, the team is poised to make a strong impression in both Canadian WorldTour events.
