Before you know it, the best in the world will touch down in Canada to duke it out for rainbow jerseys. As part of that, the Grand Prix Cyclistes de Montr\u00e9al and Qu\u00e9bec are being slightly modified in preparation.<\/p>\n
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montr\u00e9al will give the world\u2019s best riders an early look at the course they\u2019ll face at the road worlds, with organizers unveiling a revised route designed to closely match the circuit that will decide the rainbow jerseys later in September.<\/p>\n
GP Montreal route change<\/p>\n
The 2026 edition of the Canadian WorldTour race, scheduled for Sept. 13, comes just one week before the world championships begin in Quebec and Montreal. As a result, organizers have modified the Montreal course to provide what amounts to a dress rehearsal for the elite women\u2019s and men\u2019s championship races.<\/p>\n
While the race retains its signature climbs of Camillien-Houde, Polytechnique and Pagnuelo on Mount Royal, a new urban loop has been added via Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest, Rue Saint-Urbain and Avenue des Pins Ouest. The changes increase the race distance from 209.1 km to 214.4 km and make the circuit virtually identical to the one that will be used at the world championships.<\/p>\n
The revised layout should also make the Grand Prix even more valuable for teams looking to fine-tune tactics before the sport\u2019s biggest one-day event.<\/p>\n
The best edition yet?<\/p>\n
The Montreal race is expected to remain one of the most selective on the UCI WorldTour calendar, featuring 4,304 metres of climbing across the demanding Mount Royal circuit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gravitational pull created by hosting the road worlds means that we will have one of the most competitive editions in our history,\u201d said Grand Prix Cyclistes general manager Joseph Limare.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Montreal, we have preserved the climbs while offering a circuit more conducive to tactical surprises. This promises more explosive races for the athletes and a greater spectacle for the public.\u201d<\/p>\n
Changes in Quebec<\/p>\n
The Quebec City race has also been adjusted for 2026. The Sept. 11 event will be slightly shorter at 206 km, but organizers have increased the number of laps from 18 to 20, boosting the total elevation gain to nearly 2,780 metres while keeping the iconic C\u00f4te de la Montagne and Saint-Louis\/George-VI climbs in the finale.<\/p>\n
With all 18 WorldTour teams set to attend alongside three invited squads, the Canadian doubleheader is expected to attract one of the strongest fields in its 15-year history as riders make their final preparations for the world championships.<\/p>\n
Potholes begone<\/p>\n
As you can imagine, there\u2019s all kinds of logistical preparation for a race as big as the worlds. Montreal\u2019s (in)famous potholes are going to be fixed up before the best of the best ride through the capital of Quebec. The last thing we need is to see defending champ Tadej Poga\u010dar or Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res Mill wreck a wheel going through a crater.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have no choice but to be ready,\u201d Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s our responsibility to deliver a city that corresponds to what the UCI needs\u2026 for roads.\u201d<\/p>\n