There's a cluster of UAE-clad riders 500 meters from the finish line at the foot of Mont Royal: is it him or isn't it? Of course, Mauro Gianetti on his bike is chatting serenely with those who recognize him, and we ask him: orphaned without Pogacar? He, diplomatically, replies "not orphaned" and shifts focus to the trio of riders that the Emirati powerhouse is able to field for Sunday's World Championship: “we have Del Toro, he's in good shape and he proved it right here. We add McNulty's ambitions, then Narvaez, within a world championship race that will make a lot of selection. And where the level of competition is extremely high”.

Part of the crowd, meanwhile, exits the metro station and positions itself in the strategic locations chosen to watch the elite race, while other spectators still linger in the sponsors' village, dominated by the large screens. Gianetti sets off again for training, before transforming himself into a careful observer of the women's race. Del Toro, McNulty, Narvaez: he's played his trump card.