The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is one of the Canadian end-of-season classics and one of the most spectacular events on the WorldTour calendar. It takes place on a very demanding street circuit: 17 laps of 12.3 km, for a total of over 209 km and more than 4,500 meters of elevation gain.

The course is designed on Mont Royal, the green heart of Montreal, and forces riders to climb three key climbs each lap: the Côte Camillien-Houde, nearly two kilometers at 8%, which tires the legs lap after lap; the Côte de Polytechnique, short but with a very steep final section that serves as a springboard for attacks; and the Muretto di Pagnuelo, just 500-600 meters but at 7-8%, located a few kilometers from the finish and often decisive in selecting the best riders.

After the final climb, the route descends towards Avenue du Parc, where the finish line is slightly uphill: a straight line that favors stamina riders with a good sprint, but only if they still have energy after such a tough day.

This race rewards well-rounded riders, capable of sustaining an effort of over five hours and still maintaining brilliance in the final stages. Tadej Pogačar starts as the clear favorite: he's already won in Montreal and has the ability to attack on climbs or outsprint rivals in a tight sprint.

Behind him, many worthy rivals: Julian Alaphilippe, fresh from his victory in Quebec and always dangerous when the race heats up; Pello Bilbao, consistent and resilient, already on the podium here; Mattias Skjelmose, a young, growing and aggressive rider; Wout van Aert and Tiesj Benoot, who could take advantage of a more tactical race to play their cards in a fast finish.

For Italy, all eyes will be on Alberto Bettiol, who has the drive to withstand the climbs, and on Simone Velasco, who can surprise if the race stays together until the final kilometers.

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