Canadian Cyclist De Lie Wins Grand Prix de Québec in Thrilling Finish

Arnaud De Lie Wins the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec

Arnaud De Lie, a 21-year-old cyclist from Belgium, claimed victory at the prestigious Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec on Friday, September 8, 2023. This win marks De Lie’s first victory on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Tour circuit, making it a momentous occasion for the young cyclist.

A Dream Come True for De Lie

In a post-race press conference, De Lie expressed his elation at winning such a significant race in Québec, which is considered a flagship event on the UCI World Tour. He confessed that he drew inspiration from other successful cyclists who have participated in the race, including Peter Sagan, Greg Van Avermaet, and Michael Matthews. De Lie strategized to conserve his energy until the final lap and bet everything on the sprint. He credited his team for their crucial support throughout the race.

“With 600 meters to go, I had saved enough strength, so I was able to launch my sprint from a fair distance. In a sprint like this, the strongest rider usually wins, and today, it was me. I wanted the race to end in a mass sprint because that has been the scenario in recent editions. It was a dream come true for me,” De Lie shared.

De Lie expressed sentimentality over this particular victory, considering the Grand Prix de Québec’s relatively recent establishment in 2010. He acknowledged that there are relatively few riders who have claimed this race title, making his win all the more special.

Matthews Content with Third Place

Michael Matthews, an Australian cyclist from the Israel Premier Tech team, finished in third place and expressed his satisfaction with the result, especially after a recent fall during the World Championships in Glasgow. Matthews shared that the past few weeks had been mentally challenging for him, making his podium finish in Québec a significant morale boost. He particularly enjoys circuit races since he participated in several during his early cycling days in Australia.

Matthews commended his teammates for their excellent work in the final lap of the race but acknowledged that De Lie’s speed proved insurmountable. Despite this, the Australian cyclist remained optimistic and determined to continue his success in future races.

Strong Performance by Canadian Cyclists

Hugo Houle and Guillaume Boivin, Canadian cyclists on different teams, had high hopes for their country’s representation in the race. While Boivin himself claimed the title of best Canadian cyclist in 41st place, he expressed more joy in seeing his teammate Corbin Strong on the podium. Boivin acknowledged the importance of World Tour points for their team and was pleased with their overall performance.

Similarly, Houle shared Boivin’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s accomplishment of securing a spot on the podium. He revealed that he had protected Strong throughout the race and played a part in his success. The Canadian cyclists remain motivated and focused on future races.

Pier-André Côté’s Challenges

Pier-André Côté, a Canadian cyclist representing Team Canada, faced difficulties during the race. Despite winning the Pan American Cycling Championships in May, Côté struggled throughout the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec. He admitted that the team missed some opportunities early on, requiring him to make significant efforts on the boulevard Champlain. As a result, Côté faced challenges in the Côte de la Montagne, affecting his overall performance. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old cyclist remains determined to improve with each race.

Cycling Enthusiasm in Canada

The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec showcased the passion and enthusiasm for cycling in Canada, with spectators cheering for every cyclist, including the local riders. Matisse Julien, a participant from Laval, expressed his joy at hearing his name being announced throughout the circuit, highlighting the contrast with racing in Europe where he is lesser-known.

Overall, the race demonstrated the growing prominence of cycling in Canada and the achievements of both international and Canadian cyclists. It provided an opportunity for spectators to witness the determination, skill, and excitement of the race, adding to the vibrant cycling culture in the country.