Quebec is preparing to welcome many of the world's leading cycling stars for the now traditional Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec , scheduled for Friday, September 12. The Canadian race, a WorldTour event, will, as always, offer a top-notch spectacle on a selective and spectacular circuit.

The route features 18 laps of 12 kilometers, totaling over 216 kilometers and 2,600 meters of elevation gain . The decisive stage will be the Côte de la Montagne , a short but extremely challenging 10% ramp, located just over a kilometer from the finish. From there, all that remains is the final straight, gently uphill, on the Plains of Abraham. A perfect setting for explosive punchers and finishers, capable of withstanding a frenetic pace and producing the winning attack at the decisive moment.

The starting lineup is top-notch. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) will be the most anticipated star, returning from the Tour de France. Challenging him will be Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), a regular in the classics, and defending champion Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla). Also in the spotlight will be two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), capable of surprising in the sprint after a selective course.

Don't underestimate Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny), the young Belgian talent who has shown he can handle hilly routes and sprint with the best: the finale seems designed for his characteristics.

Possible outsiders to keep an eye on include Simon Yates (Jayco), Tim Wellens (UAE), Matej Mohorič (Bahrain-Victorious), and Norwegian Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X). The Canadian crowd will also be thrilled, as they will be able to greet Michael Woods , who is starting one of the final races of his career.

Sprint Cycling Photos