TEAM BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS HEAD TO CANADA FOR THE GRAND PRIX IN QUEBEC AND MONTRÉAL

# Team Bahrain Heads to Canada for Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal

As the cycling world gears up for a thrilling week ahead, Team Bahrain is preparing to showcase its talent at the two prominent races, the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal. Since their inception in 2010, these events have become vital components of the UCI World Tour, offering a glance into professional cycling’s competitive spirit in North America.

The excitement kicks off with the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, where cyclists will tackle a challenging 216km course featuring over 2,600 vertical meters across 18 laps. Each lap includes the demanding climb of Côte de la Montagne, a steep ascent at 375m with a 10% gradient.

Lead Sports Director Michal Golaś, who has competed in both races multiple times, anticipates modifications in this year’s course. “This year’s course is slightly changed: the final lap includes the first steep part and the finish line is in a different place. I think that this will affect a little bit let’s say, the favourites, and the final effort will be a bit different and a bit longer,” he stated. Golaś added, “It’s still a race for strong sprinters or all-rounders, but I think it will be slightly different to previous editions.”

With dynamics shifting in the final laps, Golaś emphasized, “The race itself requires a fight for positioning throughout… I expect the last 2 or 3 laps to be crucial for the race.” The team will rely on the expertise of riders like Nikias Arndt and Fran Miholjevič to bolster their leaders, Pello Bilbao and Edoardo Zambanini. “We need to get rid of the sprinters, so we need to make the race as hard as possible. But having Pogi [Tadej Pogačar, UAE] on the start list means there will be other teams who also want to ride like that.”

Following the Québec leg, riders will compete in Montréal on Sunday, which promises to be a grueling challenge. This year’s course incorporates significant elevation changes, featuring 4,573 vertical meters over a longer route of 209 km. The race kicks off with a taxing ascent, ascending immediately up Côte Camillien-Houde.

Golaś elaborated on the course’s demands: “Montreal, of course, is a much harder race: basically it’s an elimination race over 17 laps…the selection will be really big.” He highlighted the necessity for the team to be active in the middle sections to maximize their leaders’ strengths in the finale.

Among the participating riders, Bilbao returns for his seventh tour of these events, while Matej Mohorič and Arndt bring their own experience and competitiveness. With Edmond Wright and Afonso Eulálio making their debuts, Team Bahrain is poised for both experience and fresh energy in their pursuit of victory.

The spirit of competition will light up both cities, bringing an exhilarating showcase of professional cycling to fans across Canada.