Cycling: While the Vuelta a Espana ended yesterday in Madrid, some of the professional cyclists were active in Canada this weekend. Benoit Cosnefroy triumphed in Quebec. Tadej Pogacar celebrated in Montreal. But the main focus was on the fight for the coveted WorldTour licenses.
Cosnefroy ends Matthews' winning streak
In the past two years, both the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal could not be held due to the corona pandemic. 2018 and 2019 was in Quebec Michael Matthews (BikeExchange – Jayco) successful. This time the Australian finished second after 201,6 kilometers. He won the sprint of the pursuers before Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux) and wout van aert (Jumbo - Visma). But one had escaped: Benoit Cosnefroy (Ag2r—Citröen). The Frenchman attacked about two kilometers from the finish and successfully carried out his solo attack to the finish line.
Relive these last kilometers and Benoît Cosnefroy's attack to win this 11th Grand Prix de Quebec
Revivez les derniers kilometers avec l'attaque de @BenoitCosnefroy pour reporter ce 11e Grand Prix de Quebec. #GPCQM pic.twitter.com/XnGHsguXsp
— GPCQM (@GPCQM) September 9, 2022
Pogacar defeats Van Aert
Two days after the Quebec race, the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal took place. Due to the many steep climbs, this stage profile is considered a bit more difficult. Consequently, a real climber won the eleventh edition. Tadej pogacar (UAE) was the first professional to cross the finish line after almost six hours. wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) sprinted forward Andrea Bagioli (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) for second place. Adam Yates (Ineos Grenadiers), who initiated the decisive group with an attack just before the finish, finished fourth. A Swiss and a German also presented themselves well. Mauro Schmid (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) drove to the six, George Zimmerman (Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux) to the 14th
Espectacular duelo between pogacar and van aert in the grand prix de montreal Victoria de tadej pogacar, he ganadoo pic.twitter.com/2livAnmfsH
— el show de tadeo ⚡ (@joss__ok) September 11, 2022
Will Lotto – Soudal & Israel – Premier Tech fly out of the WorldTour?
The two races in Canada were not only interesting for all those drivers and teams who were fighting for the day's victory. There was also a lot of fighting for positions behind them, as some teams are still fighting against being relegated from the WorldTour. Because only the first 18 teams in the ranking list - which has been in place since 2020 - will receive a license for the highest cycling class for the 2023 season. The Movistar team, for example, was still in 18th place just a few days ago and was in great danger of being able to stay up in the league. But thanks to the impressive performance of Enric Mas at the Vuelta a Espana, the Spanish team should now be back. The team jumped from 18th to 14th place. On the 19 and the 20 - and thus still below the line - are Lotto - Soudal and Israel - Premier Tech.
The fight for the World Tour licenses. The top-18 teams in the 2020-2022 are ensured a WorldTour license after @GPCQM #GPCQMhttps://t.co/13xNDOMH70 pic.twitter.com/p5Oy483oLC
— ProCyclingStats.com (@ProCyclingStats) September 11, 2022
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