GP Québec
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec was launched in 2010 as part of the UCI’s expansion into North America and quickly established itself as a fixture on the WorldTour calendar. Alongside its sister race in Montréal, it forms the Laurentian Classics, a September doubleheader that attracts many of the world’s best riders. The first edition in Québec City was held on September 10, 2010 and won by Frenchman Thomas Voeckler, who triumphed from a late attack on the uphill drag to the finish.
Unlike traditional point-to-point races, the GP Québec is contested on a demanding city circuit. The course winds through the cobbled streets and historic landmarks of Old Québec, with each lap featuring steep ramps such as Côte de la Montagne, Côte de la Potasse and Montée de la Fabrique. The race totals around 200 kilometres with close to 3,000 metres of climbing, a profile that gradually wears down the peloton. The finish line is located on the Grande Allée, a long uphill straight that rewards explosive puncheurs and riders with a sharp sprint after a hard day.
Over the years, the race has built an impressive list of winners. Philippe Gilbert added the 2011 edition to his remarkable palmarès, while Peter Sagan delivered one of the most memorable victories in 2016 by powering to the line in the rainbow jersey. Sagan returned the following year to double his tally. Simon Gerrans won twice, in 2012 and 2014, becoming the first man to achieve the Laurentian Classics double by winning both Québec and Montréal in the same year. The rider with the most victories is Michael Matthews, who has conquered Québec three times, in 2018, 2019 and 2024.
