Montreal is gearing up to host the world’s top road cyclists, with the city set to be the focal point of the global cycling community. From September 20 to 27, Montreal’s historic cobblestone streets in the old port and the iconic Mount Royal will serve as the backdrop for an intense eight-day competition where athletes from various countries will vie for the prestigious title of road cycling world champion.
The UCI Road Cycling World Championships hold a unique position in the world of professional cycling, as it is one of the few races where athletes compete for their nations rather than their professional teams. Over 1,000 athletes from more than 75 countries are expected to participate in the event. CBC Sports and CBC Gem will provide extensive coverage of the championship.
Featuring 13 events ranging from 10 to 274 kilometers, the championships will showcase not only established stars in elite road cycling but also up-and-coming talents in the junior and under-23 categories. Among the contenders, Quebecois cyclist Magdeleine Vallieres Mill stands out, aiming to defend her world championship title on home turf after clinching victory in the elite women’s road race at last year’s championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
The upcoming championships mark the second time Montreal is hosting the event, with the first instance occurring 50 years ago when Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx made headlines, establishing the city as a prominent hub for biking outside of Europe. The return of the championships comes at a time when cycling interest in Montreal is at an all-time high, with Tourism Montreal anticipating over half a million spectators and a global TV audience exceeding 200 million viewers.
The competitions will feature 13 men’s and women’s events across three categories: individual time trials, mass-start road races, and a team time trial mixed relay. The elite men’s and women’s individual time trial events will take place on a 40-km course along the scenic St. Lawrence River, the Gilles Villeneuve Formula 1 Circuit, and Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Furthermore, the highlight of the week will be the 274-km road races for elite riders, starting from Brossard on Montreal’s south shore and navigating towards Mount Royal. Canadian cyclist Mike Woods, a former Tour de France stage winner, is making a remarkable comeback to compete in the championships, expressing his pride in representing Canada on home soil.
Cycling Canada will field a strong team for the event, comprising renowned cyclists like Woods, Derek Gee-West, Pier-André Côté, Hugo Houle, Michael Leonard, and Nickolas Zukowsky in the men’s elite road race. On the women’s side, alongside Vallieres Mill, Canada will be represented by Alison Jackson, Maggie Coles-Lyster, Nadia Gontova, Olivia Baril, Sarah Van Dam, and Adèle Normand.
The event’s preparation has involved enhancing Montreal’s infrastructure, including resurfacing 36 km of roads, upgrading 13 km of cycling paths connecting suburbs to the city center, and establishing new permanent bike lanes along the St. Lawrence River. The government has invested over $13 million in hosting the championships, with significant contributions from Quebec and Montreal authorities.
The focus on hosting the cycling world in Montreal aligns with the goal of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among Canadians, as cycling serves as a popular mode of transportation and recreation for many. The government officials emphasize the importance of such international events in boosting the economy, enhancing global recognition, and improving sports infrastructure for communities to enjoy year-round.
