Greg Van Avermaet Reveals Montréal Secret: "One of the Toughest Races of the Year
Nick Doup
Demanding and with a lot of elevation gain. That’s the GP de Montréal course, according to Greg Van Avermaet. The Olympic champion from Rio de Janeiro is in Canada this week for the WorldTour races, as he serves as ambassador for the 2026 World Cycling Championships in Montréal. As a two-time winner, Van Avermaet shares the secret of the local circuit in the Canadian metropolis with WielerFlits.
With four climbs within 12.5 kilometers, the GP de Montréal once again features more than 4,500 meters of elevation gain this year. "The secret is that it’s a very tough course, but the effort only lasts about five minutes," Van Avermaet begins. "It’s a course where you need to push your VO2 max a lot. Lots of acceleration, really pushing beyond your limits. From a rider’s perspective, it’s one of the toughest races of the year because you’re constantly riding above your threshold. That makes the course very hard."
"You also depend on how the racing unfolds, but I think a classics rider has a great chance too, even if they’re not a climber. They will need to have a good day, of course. Naturally, if Tadej Pogačar attacks far from the finish line and is exceptionally strong, it becomes difficult for everyone... But as a competitor, you shouldn’t always count on that. You have to try to rely on your own strengths and see if you can make a chance on a course like this. It’s a very beautiful course to race on. You already get the World Championship feeling during this Grand Prix, and next year that will become reality."
"Often the World Championship course is a big question mark."
With the World Championships coming up, the 2025 edition serves as a good dress rehearsal, featuring riders like Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and Julian Alaphilippe at the start. Van Avermaet also notices that an existing race will be hosting the Worlds. "It’s great that the riders already know the course, because often it’s in a location where no racing has ever been done, so this makes this race a little different."
"It does change things. If I were still racing, I would really appreciate this. I have good memories of the Montréal course and you know what to expect. At other World Championships, it’s often a big question mark how hard it will be."
The traditional circuit of the GP de Montréal has for years been just over 12 kilometers with 269 meters of elevation. The 2025 edition remains 'normal' as usual. Due to the World Championship preparations, a minimal change will be made to the final lap in 2026. The organizers require more space for TV trucks, equipment, and support staff. The U-turn before the finish will be removed, and the finish line will shift by one lane. As a result, riders will have to take a slight detour to reach the final straightaway.[/wftk_box]
But now Van Avermaet is in Canada as ambassador for Montréal 2026. Saturday was the course presentation, with GVA as one of the faces. "I have a good relationship with the organization and have won in Montréal twice, so that helps. I’ve started here ten times, and when a World Championship is organized, they come to me. But they also have other riders in their country. It’s nice to come back once again, without having my bike with me," Van Avermaet laughs.
Earlier this week we heard that Golden Greg was nominated by former colleague Kris Boeckmans. He also plays a role within the WorldTour organization in Canada. "Yes, yes! He mentioned my name and the organization went with it. It’s nice to be able to do that," he continues. "And so far from home... It would make more sense if they asked me for a Worlds in Belgium, but I find it a great honor to be here."
photo: Yves Perret / GPCQM
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 |  Brandon McNulty |
| 2024 |  Tadej Pogačar |
| 2023 |  Adam Yates |
| 2022 | Tadej Pogačar |
| 2019 |  Greg Van Avermaet |
| 2018 |  Michael Matthews |
| 2017 |  Diego Ulissi |
| 2016 | Greg Van Avermaet |
| 2015 | Tim Wellens |
| 2014 | Simon Gerrans |
