The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is a prestigious 1.UWT one-day race run entirely in and around the city of Montréal, covering just over 214 kilometres on a predominantly flat profile that typically favours fast sprinters or small groups of punchy finishers. The circuit's demanding final kilometres, often featuring repeated climbs of the Camillien-Houde ascent in reality, mean that pure sprinters must also carry sufficient hills ability to survive the final selection. With a world-class field assembled immediately after Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, fatigue and team tactics will play a significant role in shaping the finish.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Rasmus Søjberg Pedersen stands alone at the top of this preview. His win at stage 5 of the Tour of Denmark on a similar flat profile, combined with additional top-5 and top-10 results in comparable races, makes him the clearest form pick in the field. His sprint sits among the upper tier of this startlist, and Decathlon CMA CGM have the resources to protect him into a fast finale.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Rasmus Søjberg Pedersen enters as the top favorite, having won stage 5 of the Tour of Denmark in similar flat-profile conditions recently, while also posting a top-5 and a further top-10 in comparable races. His sprint credentials make him well-suited for a bunch kick on the Montreal circuit.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Kaden Groves and Riley Pickrell share the two strong-contender spots. Groves is the most potent pure sprinter in the startlist and is here with a dedicated programme targeting the Canadian classics. Pickrell's recent flat-profile form — a top-3 and multiple further top results — shows he is flying heading into Montreal, making him a genuine podium threat.
Alpecin-Premier Tech
Alpecin-Premier Tech
Kaden Groves is the highest-rated sprinter in this field and arrives specifically targeting Montreal after Quebec, making him a prime contender for any mass gallop. His sprint ability is among the very best in the startlist and he has the team support of Alpecin-Premier Tech to control a fast finish.
Modern Adventure
Modern Adventure
Riley Pickrell has been quietly impressive in flat-profile races lately, posting a top-3 and multiple top-5 and top-10 finishes in similar races. As a capable sprinter with confirmed strong recent form on comparable terrain, he is a genuine threat for the podium.
★★
Dark Horses
Michael Matthews, Corbin Strong, and Clément Russo form the dark-horse tier. Matthews is a perennial contender at this race with the tactical nous to win from many different scenarios. Strong arrives in excellent condition targeting the Worlds and has the profile to be dangerous in a punchy finish. Russo's four top-10 finishes in similar races recently make him the most consistent performer who has yet to convert, and he could break through here.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Clément Russo has been remarkably consistent in flat-profile races recently, racking up four top-10 finishes without quite breaking through for a podium. His cobbles strength gives him an edge if the finale turns physical, and Groupama-FDJ will look to use his teammates to set him up.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Corbin Strong has solid sprint ability and excellent hills credentials, giving him the tools to handle any late-race punch Montreal throws at riders. He is preparing for the World Championships road race and arrives in peak condition, making him a credible dark horse.
Jayco AlUla
Jayco AlUla
Michael Matthews is a seasoned one-day specialist who has repeatedly targeted this exact race, and his hills and sprint profile make him dangerous in a scenario that comes down to a fast, punchy finish or a small-group sprint. Though he lacks top-10 results in flat-profile races recently, his experience and race IQ cannot be discounted.
★
Ones to Watch
Tim Wellens, Andrea Raccagni Noviero, Riley Sheehan, and Anders Foldager round out the selection as outsiders to watch. Wellens has recent top-3 and top-5 form on similar terrain and should not be overlooked. Raccagni Noviero and Sheehan each recorded a top-5 in flat-profile conditions recently, hinting at timely form. Foldager is the wildcard, capable of featuring if Jayco AlUla build the race around him.
Jayco AlUla
Jayco AlUla
Anders Foldager posted a top-5 in flat-profile racing recently and his hills profile gives him flexibility in how Montreal's finale unfolds. He is one to watch if Jayco AlUla orchestrate the finish around their sprint options.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Andrea Raccagni Noviero posted a top-5 in a flat-profile race recently despite limited appearances, hinting at good current form. Riding for Soudal Quick-Step, he has strong team infrastructure around him and a solid sprint for an opportunistic result.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Riley Sheehan recorded a top-5 in a similar-profile race recently and carries strong cobbles and hills ability to complement his sprint, making him a viable outsider if things come down to a selective fast finish. NSN Cycling has multiple cards to play in this race.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Tim Wellens has registered a top-3 and multiple top-5 and top-10 results in similar-profile races lately, showing strong current form. His hills and cobbles stats are among the best in the field, positioning him well if the race is selective before the finish.
Verdict
Rasmus Søjberg Pedersen is the top favourite on the strength of his recent win in a similar flat race and consistent form across comparable events, while Kaden Groves and Riley Pickrell represent the most dangerous challengers with elite sprint ability and strong recent flat-race results respectively.