OPQS has announced the selections that will participate in GP Cycliste de Québec and GP Cycliste de Montréal, both one-day races.
GP Cycliste de Québec takes place on Sept. 12. The Québec parcours is 16 laps of 12.6km for a total of 201.6km. It is a course for climbers and skilled descenders, and also includes an uphill finale. The climbs of the race include Cote de la Montagne (375m, 10% average gradient), Cote de la Potasse/Des Glacis (420m at 9% average gradient), Montee de la Fabrique/Des Jardins (190m, 7% average gradient), and Montee du Fort/Saint Louis/Grande Allee (1km, 4% average gradient).
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal consists of 17-laps, covering 12.1km each for a total of 205.7km. There are three challenging climbs to cover over those laps. First, there is Cote Camilien-Houde (1.8km, 8% average gradient). Next is Cote de la Polytechnique (780m, 6% average gradient), which features a ramp of 200m at 11%. Finally, there is also Avenue du Parc (560m at 4% gradient). The race finishes on the third climb.
"We look forward to the Canadian races every year as they resemble the one day races in Europe," Sport Director Wilfried Peeters said. "They are good races that are also well organized. Québec is a race where riders need to be in good condition to be in front. Montréal is a bit harder, but generally you need good legs for both of these races because they're both quite demanding. Last year, in Québec, Niki Terpstra was a big protagonist in the final. He attacked and had a good gap on the final lap, but was caught before the line and it was decided in a bunch arrival. This year we have riders able to take similar chances and go for a good results in both races, and we're looking forward to doing our best. We're also happy that Zdenek Stybar is recovering well and is able to compete at these two races with the team."
To find the selection for GP Cycliste de Montréal, click HERE