Preview GP Québec 2024 | Will Tadej Pogačar make a stylish 'comeback'?

Last year, it came down to a powerful sprint between the best climbing sprinters. Arnaud de Lie crossed the line first, with Corbin Strong and Michael Matthews joining him on the podium.

However, the 2023 scenario is not the only one we typically see at the GP Québec. The honor roll of the Canadian race reveals that we have also witnessed quite different finishes. For example, in 2022, Benoît Cosnefroy won as a puncher with a late attack, and we have also seen Rigoberto Urán (2015) and the recently retiring Robert Gesink (2013) take the win.

2022 Benoit Cosnefroy

2021 Not ridden

2020 Not ridden

The organizers of the Canadian race have decided to stick with the same course as in previous years. The now-familiar circuit in Québec is 12.6 kilometers long, includes 186 meters of elevation gain, and must be tackled 16 times this year. For those who do the math, this totals 201.6 kilometers and 2976 meters of elevation gain.

The race will once again start and finish on Grande Allée, but most of the course will be run around the Parc des Champs-de-Bataille. The challenging part of the circuit is mainly in the second section, with obstacles including the Côte de la Montagne (375 meters at 10%), Côte de la Polasse (420 meters at 9%), and Montée de la Fabrique (190 meters at 7%).

Once these climbs are conquered, riders should not consider themselves finished. The final kilometer rises at an average of four percent, which is ideal for the power sprinters in eastern Canada.

Riders can expect pleasant racing weather, with temperatures in Québec expected to rise to 26 degrees Celsius. Some cloud cover is forecasted for the morning, but it is expected to clear, making it likely to stay dry. The wind will not be a factor on the circuit, as it will be only light, coming from the southwest.

Start: 11 a.m. (5 p.m. Dutch time)

Of course, we can't overlook Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Dstny), as he is the defending champion. Moreover, the Walloon powerhouse is in great form, having recently won the queen stage at the Renewi Tour. But the rider we absolutely can't ignore is the superstar, glutton, all-rounder, phenomenon, and more — Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian Tour winner has not raced since the La Grande Boucle — except for the Profronde van Surhuisterveen — but he has been preparing in 'peace' for his final goals of the year, which certainly include this Canadian doubleheader. On the short, steep climbs, he can make the difference in a Pogačar-esque manner in no time, and who could challenge him?

At UAE-Team Emirates, they might also consider playing the card of Juan Ayuso or Tim Wellens. These two riders, who are expected to act as support, could operate from the background, especially if everyone is focused on Pogi. From the Lotto-Dstny camp, Maxim Van Gils might be given a similar role. At the World Championships at the end of September, he will be used as a shadow leader behind Remco Evenepoel.

In the Tour de France, it's usually a duel between UAE-Team Emirates and Visma | Lease a Bike: could this also happen in this Canadian race? For the latter team, it will likely depend on Matteo Jorgenson and Tiesj Benoot, two top classics specialists. Jorgenson’s form is still somewhat of a mystery, although he did show some impressive performances at the Olympics.

At Soudal Quick-Step, the focus will be on Julian Alaphilippe, who is leaving the team. Can he display one last great performance for Patrick Lefevere’s squad? He came close to victory several times in the Tour of Britain. The course should also suit the Frenchman well.

Top favorite:Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates)
Outsiders:Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Dstny) and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike)
Long shots: Tim Wellens (UAE-Team Emirates), Maxim Van Gils (Lotto-Dsnty), Tiesj Benoot (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step)

Those who want to watch the GP Québec on Friday evening will need to tune in to Eurosport. The channel will be live from 10 minutes before the start. The Canadian race will also be fully broadcast on the online platforms HBO Max and Discovery+.