The ninth annual men’s cycling doubleheader in Quebec (CAN) – the Grand Prix de Quebec in Quebec City and Grand Prix de Montreal – were all about Australia’s Michael Matthews, who won both races, becoming the second man to do so.
The two flat courses were tailor-made for sprinters and Matthews was the best – twice – in the mass rush for the finish line in both. In Quebec City, he consigned 2016 Olympic road race champ Greg van Avermaet (BEL) to his third straight silver medal in the race, and on Sunday, Matthews whipped past Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli just meters from the finish, with van Avermaet third.
Matthews’ fellow Australia, Simon Gerrans, was the only one to win both races in the same year – back in 2014 – and was in both races over the weekend.
Coming next (but after the Vuelta a Espana is concluded) is the UCI World Road Championships in Innsbruck (AUT) from 22-30 September. Summaries:
Grand Prix de Quebec
Quebec City (CAN) ~ 7 September 2018
(Full results here)
Final Standings (201.6 km): 1. Michael Mathews (AUS), 5:04:17; 2. Greg van Avermaet (BEL), 5:04:17; 3. Jasper Stuyven (BEL), 5:04:17; 4. Timo Roosen (NED), 5:04:17; 5. Patrick Konrad (AUT), 5:04:17; 6. Zdenek Stybar (CZE), 5:04:17; 7. Arthur Vichot (FRA), 5:04:17; 8. Nathan Haas (AUS), 5:04:17; 9. Michael Valgren (DEN), 5:04:17; 10. Anthony Roux (FRA), 5:04:17. Also in the top 50: 24. Brandon McNulty (USA), 5:04:17; … 31. Nathan Brown (USA), 5:04:24.
Grand Prix de Montreal
Montreal (CAN) ~ 9 September 2018
(Full results here)
Final Standings (195.2 km): 1. Michael Matthews (AUS), 5:19:27; 2. Sonny Colbrelli (ITA), 5:19:27; 3. Greg van Avermaet (BEL), 5:19:27; 4. Oliver Naesen (BEL), 5:19:27; 5. Timo Roosen (NED), 5:19:27; 6. Rio de Costa (POR), 5:19:27; 7. Diego Ulissi (ITA), 5:19:27; 8. Michael Valgren (DEN), 5:19:27; 9. Patrick Konrad (AUT), 5:9:27; 10. Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR), 5:19:27. Also in the top 50: 16. Brandon McNulty (USA), 5:19:27; … 31. Nathan Brown (USA), 5:19:34.