Words and images, James Startt:
Certain bike races just have a way of standing out. And for me, Canada’s autumnal one-day races stand out more than most. That’s never been the case more than this year, the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec and Montréal serving as the amuse-bouche of a veritable feast of September bike racing in Canada, culminating in next week’s world championships in Montréal.
But first up, we had the Grands Prix themselves. Every year since 2010, I’ve covered the WorldTour’s two Canadian races as the official photographer, and every year I look forward to coming back. Simply put, there’s just something truly singular about these two races, both held in Canada’s French-speaking province.
Getting the crème de la crème of the professional peloton across the Atlantic is no small feat, mind you. But for me, it’s really about the incredible stages these two cities provide for bicycle racing.
Québec is the more picturesque of the two, with its pristine old-world charm that seems made for a postcard. The views are spectacular as the peloton races along the Saint Lawrence River, tackles the steep and sinuous climb through the heart of the old town, and winds its way around the Plains of Abraham.
The crowds are always intense on the Côte de la Montagne – the city’s oldest street – while the colours of Grande Allée provide a sumptuous backdrop.
Montréal is more muscular by comparison and doesn’t have quite the same picturesque appeal. But for cycling fans, it has a historical significance all its own. The city has hosted both the Olympic Games and World Championships, and over the years it has become the city I most look forward to visiting.
There’s something about Montréal’s mix of history and culture that keeps drawing me back. On paper, the racing itself is even more gruelling, with even more climbing than Québec, but the backdrop is distinctly more urban.
Both races, however, have earned a reputation for producing great winners, and this year was no exception. Remco Evenepoel delivered a pure tour de force in Québec, attacking with more than 30 kilometres to go and dismantling his breakaway companions one by one until only Giulio Ciccone remained for the final sprint.
Meanwhile, in Montréal, Isaac del Toro outmanoeuvred the 19-year-old Paul Seixas. He chased down the ever-impressive Frenchman after his torrid attack up the Mont Royal climb and then overpowered him in the final sprint. Del Toro’s win extended UAE Team Emirates’ winning streak to five here in Montreal.
But just as much as the racing, I always look forward to walking around the city and discovering its many neighbourhoods. In fact, my only real frustration with covering the Grand Prix races here has been that I never had enough time to explore the city while I was working.
But that all changed when I learned that the race organisers had been awarded the World Championships this year. Finally, I would have a chance to really discover Montréal before the rainbow jersey battles begin in less than a week.
If the recent Grand Prix races offer even a hint of what’s to come, the racing is going to be stellar. And I have a feeling Montréal itself is going to be an unforgettable host.
Paris-based American photographer James Startt is one of the longest-serving cycling journalists in the press room, with almost four decades’ experience in the sport. He covered his 37th Tour de France this year and is a two-time winner at the World Sports Photography awards. James currently serves as the creative director of luxury cycle tour operator inGamba and spent most of the 2026 Tour educating road.cc about fine French wines.
