Tour de Quebec preview

Following a flurry of races at B.C. Superweek on the West Coast, the Tour de Quebec is set to continue the action on the other side of Canada. Beginning on July 24 with a sprint prologue in Quebec City, the Tour de Quebec will run for its sixth consecutive year. Both professional and amateur squads will compete in the four-stage event in and around the Quebec City. Not only is the race one of the more spectator-friendly events in Canada, it also showcases North America’s oldest developed region.

Following the prologue, the Island of Orleans hosts Stage 1. The stage is held on a 32.5-km circuit with rolling hills that will be selective and testing for all of the riders. The second stage is a criterium in Saint-Augustin. The 1.7-km course has only two 90-degree corners. Thus, one can expect the stage to be fast as breakaways will struggle to open gaps on the peloton. Typically, the unrelenting speed is entertaining; spectators can expect a bunch sprint in the end. Stage 3 will be a circuit race and usually this course has always shaken up the overall classification. With punchy hills and exposed flat roads, there is never a dull moment. The strongest rouleurs who employ the right tactics will likely win the day. The final and fourth stage is set partly the Grande Allée, the Tour de Quebec’s self-described Champs-Élysées in Quebec City. The course will once again be a criterium. However, it will be far more technical than Stage 2. With a fast downhill 90-degree bend out of the course’s second turn, there is little chance to rest as the majority of the circuit is uphill from there. The peloton is typically single file most of the race on this course. The final selection on Stage 4 will likely feature the race’s GC contenders. The parcours of this criterium can be the deciding factor of the entire race.

Full details that include course maps, start times and the start list can be found online at the Tour de Quebec’s web page.