One of the most prominent women’s events on the international racing calendar, Tour de Gatineau, will return after a three-year hiatus and is set to take place from September 15-17 in the Gatineau area of Quebec, Canada.
The race has been revived by two retired professional cyclists, Karol-Ann Canuel and Alex Cataford, who have a long-term vision to build the race heading into the 2026 UCI World Championships in Montreal.
This year’s event will include an individual time trial and one-day road race, both 1.1-level, and both finishing in front of the iconic British Hotel in Gatineau. The weekend of racing will also include a women’s and men’s criterium that are part of the Global Relay Bridge the Gap Canadian Cup.
“It’s extremely important for women’s cycling to be seen and to have young people be inspired about health and fitness through this event,” said Canuel, who has taken over as the event’s executive director while Cataford is the vice-director.
“The goal is to reach the top level of the sport to be ready for 2026 when the Montreal World Championships will take place. It will be a unique opportunity to have the highest level of athletes in the world racing at the Tour de Gatineau and, furthermore, to bring a significant positive economical impact to the region.”
Canuel said it has taken a village to bring the Tour de Gatineau back to the international calendar and especially thanked the Quebec Cycling Sports Federation (FQSC) and the City of Gatineau for their support.
“It warms my heart to have so many people come together to ensure the success of the return of the Tour de Gatineau. Despite the enormous workload at hand, I immediately had their interest and their support,” Canuel said.
The revamped Tour de Gatineau is the new version of the former Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau that appeared on the official programming of UCI since its beginning in 2010.
Former winners of the time trial included Evelyn Stevens, Clara Hughes (twice), Carmen Small (twice), Tayler Wiles, Lauren Stephens and Amber Neben (three times). The winners of the road race were Leah Kirchmann (twice), Lauren Hall, Kimberley Wells, Kirsten Wild, Denise Ramsden, Shelley Olds, Ina Teutenberg, Giorgia Bronzini and Joëlle Numainville.
“To have an international event on Quebec soil is essential for young female athletes from here to race against the world’s elite,” said Louis Barbeau, executive director of the FQSC.
“For the past decade, the Tour de Gatineau has…
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