Former GP de Quebec & Montreal winner Michael Matthews is set to return to Canada for the classic one-day races this week on Friday, 13th and Sunday, 15th September respectively.
The 33-year-old is a two-time winner of GP de Quebec; a race that has proven time and time again to suit his characteristics, with the Australian having racked up four addition podium places alongside his wins in the event over the years. After showing consistent top form throughout 2024, the former winner has fire in his belly to try and make it his third victory in 201km circuit event.
On Sunday the squad transfers over to Montreal for the 209.1km classic which will be another target for Team Jayco AlUla with Matthews returning with great memories, following his special win at the race back in 2018, where he had ‘the double’, after triumphing in Quebec two days earlier.
The team have also recruited Grand Tour podium finisher Simon Yates for the hiller of the two Canadian races in Montreal after finishing in a strong sixth place last season. Depending on the dynamic of the race, Yates will provide the team with strong option for lengthy 17x lap race, that covers a total altitude gain of 4573metres.
Team Jayco AlUla at GP de Quebec & Montreal:
Lawson Craddock (USA)
Luke Durbridge (AUS)
Michael Hepburn (AUS)
Lucas Hamilton (AUS)
Jan Maas (NED)
Michael Matthews (AUS)
Simon Yates (GBR)
Supporting the two leaders will be a trio of Australian riders in the shape of climber Lucas Hamilton and powerhouses Luke Durbridge and Michael Hepburn. America’s Lawson Craddock will give the team extra fire power alongside Dutch domestique Jan Maas who rounds out the stellar seven-rider team.
Michael Matthews:
“I love coming to Canada every year, first of all because I love circuit racing in general and secondly, the circuits in Quebec and Montreal are really hard. They have tough, steep climbs that we have to tackle every lap, which make the racing very exciting. I prefer Quebec as it suits me a bit better. Montreal is hard for me these days with the extra two laps and the new climb.
I’m feeling really good this year coming to the race, my training has been on point I’m happy and excited to go back there. The two races also fit well in to my race calendar coming after Tour de France and before the world championships.
My team is great, strong and always motivated to head to Canada as it’s a great trip and great experience. It will be nice having Simon Yates for back up in Quebec and to be leader in Montreal, that really helps and gives us options.
The people are always super nice and it’s not that often these days that we get to race a lot outside of Europe, so that makes it extra special. I have great memories of so many fans coming out to support us, lining the roads and getting involved, enjoying the atmosphere and it’s a really nice vibe, it makes the racing more enjoyable.”
Mathew Hayman – Sport Director:
“It is great to be back in Canada. Quebec is a race that Michael Matthews has always done well in, he’s got a very impressive record here we are looking forward to Friday and then on to Montreal which has become harder over the years. Simon Yates and Michael Matthews will both be looking to do well there, there’s quite a lot of climbing and we expect also people preparing for the world championships in Zurich to want to have a good showing there so we expect a very hard edition.”
GP de Quebec results for Matthews:
2023 – 3rd
2022 – 2nd (Cancelled 2020/21)
2019 – 1st
2018 – 1st
2017 – 3rd
2016 – 5th
2015 – 2nd
GP de Montreal results for Matthews:
2018 – 1st
2017 – 8th
2016 – 4th
Photo: Kramon
