2014 Grandes Prix Cyclistes: Québec et Montréal, 12 and 14 o

[GoodTimes]

I love these races. Especially Montreal, which I've watched a number of times.

Won't be there this year unfortunately, but should still be a spectacle.

In both cases, I think it would be an improvement to start, say, 100km outside of the city. Ride thru beautiful (and hilly!) Canadian Laurentians. and then go onto the city circuit. Regardless, a great double header.

 

[BigMac]

Weather Forecast for Ville de Québec and Montréal. Friday and Sunday respectively.

QUÉBEC, 17ºC max temperature, near the end of the race; Rain: 0%; Wind: 16km/h; Humidty: 51%. More here.

MONTRÉAL, 16ºC max temperature, near the end of the race; Rain: 10%; Wind: 11km/h; Humidity: 61%. More here.

Riders manage to dodge the rain on both races, as showers are taking place today and will, too, Saturday.

REMINDER that the Sprint Challenge is today and will be live on Eurosport at 21:00 GMT / 22:00 CET.

 

[VeloHuman]

Wonder if one of the many GC-style climbers on the startlist can pull of a Gesink-esque surprise this year.

 

[BigMac]

Wonder if one of the many GC-style climbers on the startlist can pull of a Gesink-esque surprise this year.

Gesink was only a surprise because he came 'out of nowhere'. In normal conditions he would be a favourite.

Some names I think will be among the first are:

J.J. Rojas
Rui Costa
Tony Gallopin
Arthur Vichot
Simon Gerrans
Van Avarmaet
Simon Geschke
Tom-Jelte Slagter

 

[GoodTimes]

Gesink was only a surprise because he came 'out of nowhere'. In normal conditions he would be a favourite.

Some names I think will be among the first are:

J.J. Rojas
Rui Costa
Tony Gallopin
Arthur Vichot
Simon Gerrans
Van Avarmaet
Simon Geschke
Tom-Jelte Slagter

Quebec is a bit easier than years gone by. Not sure it's hard enough for the likes of Costa. More of a rouleur course, no?

 

[BigMac]

Quebec is a bit easier than years gone by. Not sure it's hard enough for the likes of Costa. More of a rouleur course, no?

Well, yes and at the same time no, I'd say. It's a bit easier, but if you take a look at the previous years, you will notice that a fairly large group always comes together at the bottom of the last hill*. Differences are made with attacks and counter-attacks in and after Potasse, so a puncheur with a decent sprint always has his chances. You could also say that this year there's the chance of riders arriving fresher at the final lap, which would mean more contenders, including rouleurs, but I think that once the attacks start up to the Grande-Alée, only those who belong to such terrain will survive in the front. It's not an easy climb.

*unless you mean a rouleur going on a late break in the flat? That makes sence. I think there are many teams that want to take it to the line/final climb, though.

 

[GoodTimes]

Well, yes and at the same time no, I'd say. It's a bit easier, but if you take a look at the previous years, you will notice that a fairly large group always comes together at the bottom of the last hill*. Differences are made with attacks and counter-attacks in and after Potasse, so a puncheur with a decent sprint always has his chances. You could also say that this year there's the chance of riders arriving fresher at the final lap, which would mean more contenders, including rouleurs, but I think that once the attacks start up to the Grande-Alée, only those who belong to such terrain will survive in the front. It's not an easy climb.

*unless you mean a rouleur going on a late break in the flat? That makes sence. I think there are many teams that want to take it to the line/final climb, though.

I am thinking the relative freshness may prove the difference and make the final climb less selective. BUT, you make a good point... it will be a tough one either way.

We can hope for a late break in the flat. Would provide for a good spectacle, and maybe it is possible on this course. But I feel there is a dearth of good rouleurs in general these days.

 

[BigMac]

I am thinking the relative freshness may prove the difference and make the final climb less selective. BUT, you make a good point... it will be a tough one either way.

We can hope for a late break in the flat. Would provide for a good spectacle, and maybe it is possible on this course. But I feel there is a dearth of good rouleurs in general these days.

Cheers, I agree.

It's going to be a nice race, wichever the outcome.

 

[theyoungest]

Wonder if one of the many GC-style climbers on the startlist can pull of a Gesink-esque surprise this year.

Gesink has done the GP Quebec three times, and finished on the podium every time. So to call him a 'surprise' is stretching it.

The really long drag to the line is right down Gesink's alley, and it's quite particular to this race. It makes the final more about endurance than explosiveness. That element is still the same, I believe, so I think the climbers might still like it.

 

[BigMac]

Gesink has done the GP Quebec three times, and finished on the podium every time. So to call him a 'surprise' is stretching it.

The really long drag to the line is right down Gesink's alley, and it's quite particular to this race. It makes the final more about endurance than explosiveness. That element is still the same, I believe, so I think the climbers might still like it.

Great, simple way to descibe Québec's race.

 

[BigMac]

Sprint Challange is live on Eurosport 2.

 

[BigMac]

Ok that looked fixed.

 

[BigMac]

Trololol. Fixed ride is fixed. Lobato arrives second and they pass the Canadian along with Von Hoff.

edit: It was close, but still got my doubts.

 

[manafana]

Could we see a left field winner, market is saying GVA, Gerrans or Kristoff but I could see it come from somewhere else.

 

[phanatic]

Could we see a left field winner, market is saying GVA, Gerrans or Kristoff but I could see it come from somewhere else.

I was just wondering if Moser will have one good race this year.

 

[Sasquatch]

Could we see a left field winner, market is saying GVA, Gerrans or Kristoff but I could see it come from somewhere else.

Alaphillipe or Meersman

I think a Quickstepper will win.

 

[LosBrolin]

Here's our winner. 3rd in Plouay and this route is suitable for him.

 

[Sasquatch]

Here's our winner. 3rd in Plouay and this route is suitable for him.

Nice one!!

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Kristoff will annihilate the field in Quebec.

 

[Roude Leiw]

TV coverage? Just ES UK and some canadian TV?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

TV coverage? Just ES UK and some canadian TV?

Its on Eurosport international.

 

[maltiv]

I don't think Kristoff will challenge here, he just got married last week which probably has drained his energy a bit

 

[Akuryo]

I don't think Kristoff will challenge here, he just got married last week which probably has drained his energy a bit

Stybar married two month ago and soon after that took a stage and the leaders jersey at Eneco. Okay, he crashed and lost 5 of his teeth a day later, but still! It was more like an additional motivation to do well.

 

[Roude Leiw]

I don't think Kristoff will challenge here, he just got married last week which probably has drained his energy a bit

Wedding night is overrated

 

[Der Effe]

Here's our winner. 3rd in Plouay and this route is suitable for him.

Yup, second last year. My 'favourite' as well.