The COVID-19 pandemic has deprived Greg Van Avermaet of two visits to Quebec for the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Quebec and Montreal, and the Belgian cyclist is eager to once again take on two courses on which he has enjoyed enormous success. .
The events will take place on September 9, in Quebec City, and September 11, in Montreal. They will be among the few international cycling competitions to take place outside Europe in 2022.
“We drove a lot in Europe, but not on other continents, recalled Van Avermaet during a videoconference on Tuesday. The Canadian races have been on the calendar since 2010 and they remain races that are enjoyed by runners. »
Van Avermaet triumphed in Montreal in 2016 and 2019. He reached the podium six times in eight years in Quebec.
“I always thought that the Quebec circuit suited me better, but I never won! My results in Montreal are less consistent than in Quebec, but I won twice. It’s quite special,” agreed Van Avermaet, Olympic road champion in 2016.
Two years later
For his part, the president and CEO of the organization, Sébastien Arsenault, said he was happy to be able to pick up where his team had to give up in spite of itself two years ago.
“We have been working on the next edition for more than two years. There’s a lot of work, a lot of complex elements, he said. We are privileged to have our partners by our side and our hard-working staff. »
Arsenault said he was certain to be able to present the event without pitfalls, whether they are linked to the ever-changing conditions due to the pandemic or to other issues such as those at airports.
The president and CEO also expects an increase in interest in the event, particularly following the stage victory of Quebecer Hugo Houle during the Tour de France last month.
Arsenault was cautious when asked about Montreal’s bid to host the 2026 World Road Cycling Championships.
The project was unveiled in July 2021 and could see its outcome later in September, during the 2022 edition of the event, in Australia.
“Am I optimistic? 200%,” said Arsenault.