grands prix cyclistes de québec et de montréal

Derek Gee reveals a heartwarming story about how he came under the spell of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal. Isabella and Ava Holmgren, two stars of cyclocross and cross country, find themselves with race duties in Montreal. Canadian Cycling Magazine’s photographer takes a hit. Plus, heartbreak for some Canadians at their home races. All these tales and more are mixed with tips about how you can plan your visit to Quebec’s largest cities to take in the races to their fullest next year.

Also, check out Nick Iwanyshyn’s photos from the races.

Plus, scandal! An Israel-Premier Tech rider had St-Hubert ribs in the lead-up to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.

Episode Highlights

6:39 13-year-old Derek Gee, a ride from Ottawa to Montreal and Thomas Voeckler’s gloves

14:16 Benjamin Perry on the significance of the GPCQM

29:41 Pan Am champ Pier-André Coté breaks down the Quebec City race soon after finishing

40:31 How the 2026 road world championships course in Montreal is shaping up.

46:51 A few laps in the Team Canada car at the GP Montreal. It’s not a car race!

1:01:17 Charlotte of the Ottawa Bicycle Club and her bottle basketball net.

1:02:49 An old friend of the pod, and former co-host, makes an appearance.

1:06:54 Success for Charlotte!

1:07:28 Ava and Isabella Holmgren have a job to do at the GP Montreal.

1:12:21 In this case, it was No. 1 that affected Derek Gee.

He did it. But man, was it close. Michael Woods won a stage at the Tour de France this past July in a dramatic fashion on the Puy de Dôme. In this extended interview with Woods, the rider from Ottawa gets into the details of how it all came together, and how it all nearly fell apart. Find out about his relationship with Matteo Jorgenson, the rider whom Woods denied a win on Stage 9. Learn why Woods went for a trail run shortly after the Tour. Finally, who is the guy known as Disco and why is he so important to Woods?

Also in this episode, the Matts, Pioro and Hansen, look ahead to the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal. The two one-day races return in about two weeks. The Canadian Cycling Magazine  editors break down the routes and likely key riders at North America’s only WorldTour events.

From jerseys won by young Canadians to Euro pros sipping Caesars to taking in a Montreal Canadiens game with a future world champion, the influence of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal is significant. This episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast honours those races by looking at moments, both big and small, connected with the Grands Prix. There’s discussion of poutine, too.