Ambitious Benoot looks forward to racing on Canadian soil
While Flanders is the backdrop for the European Championships, another part of the peloton will make an appearance at the Quebec and Montreal Grand Prix. Team Visma | Lease a Bike will cross the Atlantic with a strong squad and hopes to fight for victory in both races. Tiesj Benoot and Frans Maassen are looking forward to the Canadian races.
Benoot has fond memories of racing in Canada. In his first appearance at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal (2015) as a neo-pro, he finished fifth. "It was one of the toughest races I have ever ridden", he recalls. "It was raining all the time and much of the peloton didn't make it to the finish. My teammate Tim Wellens won and I finished fifth. As a neo-pro it was a very good result."
This will be Benoot's fifth appearance in North America, having raced in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2023. The 30-year-old Belgian is looking forward to preparing for the final part of the season in Canada. "These races suit me and I've been working towards them. The races in Canada are always special and remind me of the World Championships because of the circuit laps. There are also many riders here who will be in Zurich."
"We don't have the overwhelming favourite in our team."
Benoot isn't just going to Canada to prepare for the World Championships. He also wants to perform. "We're aiming for the best possible result. With Matteo Jorgenson, Wilco Kelderman, Per Strand Hagenes and myself, we have several riders who should be able to play a significant role in the final. Quebec is perhaps a bit more suited to the explosive riders, but Montreal is really a race for the climbers. Looking at our team, I think it suits us better."
Sports director Frans Maassen agrees with Benoot. "We may not have the overwhelming favourite in our team, but we have a very strong squad. Matteo is our leader, although I think the Quebec race could be something for Per. Quebec usually ends in a sprint with a reduced group. Montreal is more challenging because of the longer climbs. I think both races will be a good test ahead of the World Championships."
Benoot says he is in good form. After the Bretagne Classic and the Renewi Tour, he trained in the Ardennes for a few days to prepare for the Canadian races. "The condition is good. Both in Plouay and at the Renewi Tour I achieved an acceptable level, even if it didn't lead to a high classification. I'm very motivated to get a solid result in Canada."
In addition to Benoot, Jorgenson, Kelderman and Hagenes, the Visma | Lease a Bike squad also includes Milan Vader, Jan Tratnik and Bart Lemmen.
