Tadej Pogačar is stoked to be returning to Canada. After an incredible year, including wins at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, the Slovenian is building up to his attempt to win the road worlds and the Triple Crown. Only two cyclists have achieved this feat in history. Eddy Merckx in 1974 (which included a road worlds win in Montréal) and Stephen Roche in 1987.
“I had a good break from racing and I’m excited to start again in Canada,” the Team UAE Emirates rider said. “It’s a beautiful part of the world to ride in. I have great memories from two years ago.” In 2022, the Slovenian won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal. In Québec, he finished 24th.
Tadej Pogacar coming for Canadian races
Although the Triple Crown is a goal of his, Pogačar is also content with his extremely impressive 2024. For him, whatever happens next will be fine. After racing the Grands Prix de Montréal and Québec, he will get ready for the road worlds in Zurich, which take place on Sept. 29. It’s a tough course with some climbs, which definitely suits him. Following that, he will defend his crown at Il Lombardia on Oct. 12.
Michael Woods to race Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec et Montréal
“Whatever happens in the rest of the season, I’m happy with what I’ve achieved this year. Everything that comes now is a bonus,” he said. It’s been quite a year. He also won Liège-Bastogne-Liège and dominated in almost every race he entered, including an 80km solo break at Strade Bianche.
“My condition is good, and I’m focused on enjoying and performing well in the final part of the season,” he said.
A strong team to help Pogačar
To support Pogačar, Team UAE Emirates is sending a strong team to race in Canada: Igor Arrieta, Finn Fisher-Black, Rafal Majka, Domen Novak, Tim Wellens, and Juan Ayuso.
Wellens is in good form, having recently won the Renewi Tour in Belgium.
There will be several Canadians racing: look for Israel Premier Tech’s Canuck contingent. That consists of national champion Michael Woods, Tour de France hero Derek Gee, Tour stage winner Hugo Houle, and Guillaume Boivin. A Canadian national team will also be in the action.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec takes place on Friday, and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Sunday. You can follow the races on Canadian Cycling Magazine’s Instagram and X and check our site for a full report after both races.
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