The bright sunshine and the presence of 168 of the world’s best cyclists brought thousands of curious onlookers to the foot of Mount Royal, where the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is held. The event charms both novices and more seasoned enthusiasts.
The popularity of the Netflix series Tour de France: At the heart of the peloton has spread to Montreal. Cycling is gaining more and more supporters worldwide, and Quebec is no exception to the phenomenon.
“We didn’t know anything about cycling, or even about sports in general. It doesn’t normally interest us,” explains Olivier Lacasse, sitting on the fence in front of the George-Étienne-Cartier monument in Jeanne-Mance Park. “But since we saw this series, we trippe. Knowing that we can see Tadej Pogačar at home, in Montreal, is just sick.”
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Fans set up camp around the circuit from the early hours of the morning.
The crowds stretch across the 12.3km circuit. As the spectators are spread out, everyone can enjoy a great view of their favourites, who will pass by 17 times during the day.
Most fans pass by, watch a few laps, and then head home. Other die-hards set up camp around the track in the early hours of the morning, and won’t move a bit until the end of the race, which is expected to last about six hours.
“I don’t want to move, I especially don’t want to lose my spot!” says Jonathan Sigouin, conveniently positioned at the corner of Parc Avenue and Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road. “This event only happens once a year, I want to make the most of it.”
Rising popularity
This 13e edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal should be the busiest, estimated the event’s president, Sébastien Arsenault, during the day. This growing popularity goes hand in hand with that of the Netflix series, but also with the increased coverage of cycling by the media, he explains.
“There is more and more media coverage, so more readers, more enthusiasm,” he notes. “I think people understand that what is happening is a very rare occurrence in North America.”
While Quebecers seem to be traveling more to see the cyclists in action, tourists are increasingly numerous in visiting the city to attend the event. Among them are dozens of supporters from Eritrea, who came to encourage the rider Biniam Girmay. Cycling is the most popular discipline in this East African country, a group of supporters on site remind us.
“He’s our hero,” said Torontonian and Eritrean Medhania Habtemichael. “With most of the races being in Europe, it’s really a great opportunity for us to see him in Canada.”
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Quebecers and tourists alike can look forward to the weather that awaits them over the next few days.
For other tourists, the holding of this cycling event comes as a surprise. Frenchwoman Amélie Breton, who has lived in Montreal for nearly two years, was planning to ride on Mount Royal with her visiting family.
“I’ve been following cycling for a long time, so when I saw that great riders were going to be there, I was very happy,” rejoices Mme Breton: I saw races in France, I didn’t know there was an event like that in Quebec, it’s really good.”
For other tourists visiting Mount Royal, the race is an obstacle. “We wanted to visit the mountain, but now we don’t really understand how to get there. I won’t lie, I’m a little disappointed right now,” says Housnia Bassoud, who recently arrived from Vancouver to visit the city with her boyfriend. Disoriented, the couple heads to the Old Port of Montreal to enjoy the nice weather.
Quebecers and tourists alike can look forward to the weather that awaits them in the coming days. In Montreal, the mercury will climb to 28 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, and will only drop to 17 degrees.
Wednesday and Thursday will be warm, at 26 and 24 degrees, but more cloudy.