Australian Michael Matthews will return to happy hunting ground in Canada as he leads Team Jayco AlUla into the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
The 34-year-old is a three-time winner in Québec, including a stunning sprint victory last year. Matthews has also tasted success in Montréal, taking the win in the tough-one day race back in 2018.
Swiss champion Mauro Schmid will add an attacking dynamic to the squad fresh from a fighting fifth place finish at the Maryland Cycling Classic, with former Italian champion Filippo Zana giving the team some extra firepower on the hilly courses.
In support, the team will rely on Australian champion Luke Durbridge and experienced compatriot Michael Hepburn. Neo-pro Bob Donalson will provide further strength, while the versatile Asbjørn Hellemose completes the line-up.
Team Jayco AlUla:
Bob Donaldson (GBR)
Luke Durbridge (AUS)
Michael Hepburn (AUS)
Asbjørn Hellemose (DEN)
Michael Matthews (AUS)
Mauro Schmid (SUI)
Filippo Zana (ITA)
Michael Matthews:
“I know the course has been changed, I think it will probably mess the flow up a little bit of the last years of this race, but I think it will still be an exciting race. I think it will probably be more aggressive because you are out of sight quite fast on this new finish, so I expect an aggressive race, but a lot times this one comes down to a sprint and fingers crossed that happens again. If it doesn’t, we will have to play some different cards to see how we can still win this race.
It feels a bit like at home here in Canada, like being back in Australia, so I’m probably a bit more relaxed. I also love circuit racing so that always helps and the courses here in Quebec and in Montreal suit me really well. I’ve had a great history here so hopefully I make some more memories this weekend.”
Mat Hayman (Sport Director):
“We’ve got a really strong team for Quebec, but when you’ve got a guy that has won this race three times in the past, you’ve got to back him and it’s a race that really suits Michael. It’s a new course which is exciting, it means everybody is going to have to adjust their tactic.
We’re going to have to be weary of the new course and the new tactics, but we’ve got a strong team and we’ll back Michael for Friday and then going into Montreal on Sunday, it’s a lot harder, less controlled and we’ll probably have to be more aggressive and use our strength in numbers.”
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec – Race Details:
Fri, 12th Sep, Québec – Québec (216km)
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal – Race Details:
Sun, 14th Sep, Montréal – Montréal (209.1km)
