WOODS REPEAT AS TOP CANADIAN AT GRAND PRIX CYCLISTE DE MONTRÉAL
Woods shows impressive form in difficult Montreal race
(Montreal, QC – September 13, 2015) It is under a cold and torrential rain that the sixth Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal began on Sunday. Michael Woods, the latest rising star in Canadian road cycling, received the Top Canadian award for the second straight year.
Representatives of the 21 teams present were paraded 17 times on the classic 12.1 kilometers loop surrounding Mont Royal Park.
While the world’s best cyclists crossed the Atlantic Ocean to take part in this WorldTour event, Canadian National Team cyclists arrived at the start line with a few goals in mind. Michael Woods, top Canadian last year at this race, was designated as the captain in today’s race, hoping to stay with the main group through to the last lap where he could launch his attack and contend for a result. And he did, finishing 23rd of the race that saw only 64 of 167 cyclist finish the race.
The race was very active from the start to finish. Multiple attacks took place in the early onset of the race, brought back by the fast-pace peloton. A main group of 20 riders formed, and rode together until 100km left in the race, also being brought back. A few more serious attacks would be attempted, all eventually reeled by the determined pack to set up the final lap finish.
Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) attacked in the final five kilometers with along with Adam Yates (Orica-GreenEDGE). Wellens and Yates dropped a few riders in the last kilometers, and found themselves alone entering the last 1000m.
FollIowing the wide hairpin turn signalling 500m to go, the two fought a hard battle for position. Wellens was the strongest at the end of the day to earn his fifth WorldTour career win. 2013 World Champion Rui Fario da Costa (Lampre-Merida) took third place.
With a depleated peloton, only Ryan Anderson and Michael Woods, both riders racing with continental team Optum-Kelly Benefits Strategies, remained in the main group midway through the race. Woods ultimately finished 23rd, while Anderson took the 41st place.
Woods took the Top Canadian award for the second straight year, while Louis Vervaeke (Lotto-Soudal) was crowned King of the Mountain.
The next major event for Canadian road cyclists will be the World Championships, taking place in Richmond, Virginia next week. The Canadian team will be announced this week.
Cycling Canada is supported by Sport Canada, Louis Garneau Sports, Look Cycle, Global Relay, and Bear Mountain Resort.
