The top-5 Canadian cycling events of 2014 that punch above their weight

You know the big races—the Grand Prix events in Quebec and the Tour of Alberta for example—but Canada has some top races that deserve more attention. In 2014, casual cycling fans should take note and follow the five events below. They all provide high-quality racing in our own backyard.

Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau road race and time trial

June 6–7 (UCI 1.1)
The UCI 1.1 women’s race hosted just across the river from the nation’s capital in Gatineau, Que., is quickly becoming an annual focus for some of the world’s top women racers. The time trial and road race will undoubtedly be hotly contested as it has been since the race’s first running in 2010. In addition to top-level racing, the event will serve as an anchor for a major gran fondo weekend attracting cycling fans from across Canada.

Tour de Beauce

June 11–15 (UCI 2.2)
Every year, many of Canada’s best racers converge on St. Georges, Que., to race one of the hardest races on the North American calendar. The Tour de Beauce has not only served as a means for some of Canada’s top racers to cut their teeth early in their careers, there are many riders from around the world who have used this race as a stepping stone. In 2014, the relentlessly hilly parcours will certainly separate the strong from the weak.

Canadian road championships

June 26–29
In 2013, the Canadian road nationals were quite possibly the most exciting racing on Canadian soil. Joëlle Numainville became both the road and time trial champion in the elite women’s category. Zach Bell took the maple-leaf jersey for the elite men’s road race. Lac-Mégantic, Que., will host event almost a year following tragedy caused by a train’s derailment. The road nationals will surely be a special event in 2014.

Tour de l’Abitibi

July 22–27 (UCI 2.1 junior)
The Tour de l’Abitibi has become the keystone event for aspiring junior racers in North America and the around the world. Not only has the race featured some of Canada’s top racers, such as Giullaume Boivin and David Veilleux, but future WorldTour leaders, such as Taylor Phinney, Tyler Farrar and Denis Menchov, got their start at Abitibi. In 2014, the race will indeed host some of the future stars of cycling.

2014 International Track Challenge

Oct. 16–19 (UCI 1)
Following the format of the 2013 International Track Challenge hosted at the outdoor track in Bromont, Que., the 2014 version will be using the brand-new velodrome in Milton, Ont., with the intention of attracting teams and riders from around the world. This event will be of particular importance as UCI points will be awarded. Such points are highly coveted as they are crucial to obtaining invites to World Cup events later in the track season. It will be the first major international event hosted in Milton, which will host more international track cyclist in 2015 for the Pan Am Games.