Get your pen and paper ready, because tonight at the GP de Montréal 2026 the dress rehearsal for the World Championships road race takes place, scheduled for Sunday, September 27th. The circuit at Parc du Mont-Royal is indeed the same one that riders will face in the World Championships race, although today it's tackled 16 times and at the Worlds 12 times (with a previous long stretch on the road).

After Remco Evenepoel's scratch, the caravan has moved 250 km southwest, from Quebec to Montréal, in the largest French-speaking city on the American continent. From a city with strong European features like Quebec, we move to a more identifiable American metropolis, although unique characteristics are not lacking, as we're talking about a completely island city, since it sits on the Hochelaga archipelago, a group of islands at the confluence of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers.

With two already in his palmares, last year Tadej Pogačar gave the victory to his faithful teammate Brandon McNulty. Italians have a decidedly better tradition here compared to Quebec, with Diego Ulissi who also won the 2017 edition, but then there have been podiums from Moreno Moser, Simone Ponzi, Sonny Colbrelli and Andrea Bagioli. 

The race will start at 16:15 Italian time and conclude around 21:45. As always, it will be viewable on Discovery+ channels.

THE ROUTE

Compared to last year there is a very slight and inconsequential modification at the finish, which slightly lengthens the circuit. The format is the same as Quebec, with a 13.4 km loop to be repeated 16 times, for a total of 214.4 km of pure American-style spectacle. The loop will develop entirely within and around the Parc du Mont-Royal, 200 hectares of green space set on the city's mountain, Mont Royal itself, where the city's University is also located. 

The most insidious part of the circuit comes right after the start banner, the Côte Camillien-Houde (1.8 km at 8%) which leads to the highest point of the city. Once in the University area, at about halfway through the loop, there's the Côte de Polytechnique (780 meters at 6%, with 200 meters at 11%), but the difficulties aren't over yet, because in sight of the finish there's first Avenue Pagnuelo (600 meters at 7%) and then the final straight not to be underestimated, Avenue du Parc (560 meters at 4%). It therefore appears clear that a circuit like this, tackled 16 times and with an overall elevation gain of 4,300 meters, risks creating a lot of selection, especially if interpreted with decisive intent. 

THE FAVORITES

The GP de Quebec gave some signals, but don't be fooled, because Montréal is another race. On Friday, beyond legs, instinct and timing mattered a lot, today to win it will take above all a lot of strength. Hardly, however, will Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) not be in contention for victory, with Tom Pidcock (Pinarello Q36.5), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) who this time will try not to be caught off guard. 

It's not to be ruled out that someone might play it coy with the World Championships in mind, but there's still the prestige of a WorldTour classic on the line, which makes us think it will be a real battle, with no holds barred. The Mexican appeared to be the one a bit more off form, but knowing him it seems difficult he could be in two consecutive races. At his side, moreover, he will have three riders who have already won in Montréal: Brandon McNulty, Adam Yates and Tim Wellens. 

Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) is looking for another fine confirmation of his physical condition, being able to take advantage of the support of a strong team with Quinn Simmons, 3rd last year and 5th two days ago in Quebec, Juan Ayuso and local favorite Derek Gee. Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike) and Maximilian Schachmann (Soudal Quick-Step) will also try to be in the mix, and then Jenno Berckmoes and Simone Gualdi (Lotto Intermarchè), Alessandro Pinarello (NSN), Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana), Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost) and Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos).