The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec 2025 kicks off the great cycling weekend in Canadian territory. Riders and teams arrived in the city Tuesday evening, and in these days, besides overcoming jet lag, they have taken advantage of studying roads and routes under a truly pleasant, sunny climate with around 20°. Born in 2010, the Québec classic is historically the slightly easier of the two, but the organizers, as we'll see, have opted for a small route change that could make the race even more open. In the honor roll are riders like Peter Sagan, two-time winner, Michael Matthews, with three wins and record holder, and Arnaud De Lie. The Italians' history is quite negative, as in 13 editions no one has ever won or even made the podium.

The race will start around 5 PM Italian time, concluding at 10 PM, and will be visible on Discovery+ channels.

ROUTE

As mentioned, the route has undergone a slight modification, with the circuit finale slightly toughened compared to the past. The loop develops almost entirely within the Parc des-Champs-de-Bataille, close to the fascinating historic center. The old city (Vieux-Québec) has French and generally European features, and is indeed the only North American settlement north of Mexico that still preserves a city wall, making it unique in the panorama of large Canadian and North American cities.

The circuit measures a total of 12 km and will be repeated 18 times, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique spectacle throughout the day. The only difficulty on the route is the Côte de la Montagne (600 meters at 8.8%), which from the city center leads to the heart of the park and will end about 700 meters from the finish. After tackling it 18 times (with a total elevation gain of 2610 meters), some selection will naturally emerge, and it appears difficult, given the climb's proximity to the finish line, that it will end in a sprint.

THE FAVORITES

Organizers and fans hope to relive a battle between Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Wout Van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike) in the style of Montmartre and Champs-Élysées in Paris. The Slovenian, returning after the Tour, has raced twice in Québec but has never won this classic, which is motivation enough to aim for the big target. For the Belgian, this is one of the last road season appointments, and the desire to enhance his small but precious haul this year (stage wins in Giro and Tour) is significant.

The king of Québec is Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), having won it three times and been on the podium in 7 editions overall. The Australian is doing well after respiratory problems that forced him to skip the Tour, and he moves perfectly on these streets. Among the fast riders, Arnaud De Lie (Lotto), in top form in recent weeks, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), and Corbin Strong (Israel-PremierTech) are also formidable.

There are many prestigious presences, like the Tour's 3rd and 4th places, Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) and Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL), but also Giro winner Simon Yates (Visma | Lease a Bike), Tim Wellens, Adam Yates, Brandon McNulty, Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) to support Pogačar, and then Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor) and Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious).

Also keep an eye on Dorian Godon (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Axel Laurance (Ineos Grenadiers) and Roger Adrià (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe), while among Italians, the best hopes are placed on Edoardo Zambanini (Bahrain Victorious), who was in the Top 10 last year, and Simone Velasco (XDS Astana).