Will we see a professional cycling race in Mexico in the near future? According to the organizers of the GP de Québec and the GP de Montréal, the answer is yes. With the rise of Mexican top talent Isaac Del Toro, there are opportunities for cycling in Central America, says Sébastien Arsenault, president of the Canadian WorldTour races. Talks are already underway.
Initially, the question was about the Canadian organization’s relationship with the United States. What is the future of cycling in the neighboring country after the disappearance of recognized stage races like the Tour of California and the Tour of Utah? "That’s complicated," Arsenault admits in an exclusive interview with WielerFlits.
"I can’t speak on behalf of Americans or about organizing this kind of event, but I do think there are openings in America. But it could just as well be in Mexico, because they have Isaac Del Toro. He is already a superstar and still incredibly young, so why wouldn’t we collaborate with Mexico?"
Sébastien Arsenault, president of the Canadian WorldTour races – photo: GPCQM / Tobrook
"I’m currently in talks about a joint venture to see if there’s an opening there. I’m convinced that if I’m involved in setting up such an event, and I say that with all due respect and humility, the UCI will support me. Just like another part of the cycling community."
"If we really want to make progress with Mexican races, then I think this could be a great next step," says an optimistic Arsenault, who has been in charge for several years after taking over from his father and founder of the Canadian races, Serge Arsenault. Besides cycling, Arsenault junior is also the key figure behind the Montréal Marathon, which takes place one week after the GP de Montréal.
When general manager Joseph Limare is told that the president of the organization is talking about expansion to Mexico, he secretly smiles. "I look forward to flying to Mexico to see what kind of events we can organize there, but that file is still on Sébastien’s desk," he points to Arsenault.
'There’s a history of races disappearing quickly in the US'
This year, only one professional race (UCI 1.1 or higher) has been held in the United States. That is the recently raced Maryland Cycling Classic. "That isn’t a WorldTour race, but the event is well put together. I don’t really know what to say about the American circuit beyond that; I think you have to ask them yourselves," says Arsenault, who thus seems to exclude expansion to the US.
For him, the ideal scenario is a ‘race block’ of several weeks in North America, and thus also Central America. "That would be fantastic, but there’s a history of races that disappear quickly in the States, especially compared to our 14 or 15 years now. It starts with a solid foundation. That’s important to unlock the full potential and to exist as long as possible, because only then will you be taken seriously."
