Preparing for the World Championships Circuit in Montréal
The recent Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal served as a high-intensity dry run for the world title race. Riders tackled the designated World Championships circuit sixteen times during the one-day event, providing a rigorous test of legs and tactics on the Canadian climbs.
Tiesj Benoot participated directly in the reconnaissance race, working to support young teammate Paul Seixas to a second-place finish.
“Paul is nog maar net terug van stage, dus hij zal alleen maar beter worden. Maar dat geldt ook voor Remco,” Benoot stated, pointing to the ongoing buildup of national and international rivals ahead of the rainbow jersey battle.
Can Heavy Classics Riders Follow the Pure Climbers?
The central tactical question emerging from the GP Montréal is whether powerful, heavier riders like Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel can stay with elite climbing specialists when the road kicks upward repeatedly. The race showcased aggressive climbing performances from riders such as Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro.
However, Benoot argues that the race dynamics will shift when the actual World Championships arrive. Riders will face twelve laps instead of the sixteen completed during the general rehearsal, a significant reduction in total vertical meters and fatigue accumulation.
Furthermore, Van Aert’s climbing trajectory offers strong reassurance for his national squad. “Zoals Wout bergop reed in de Vuelta, mag hij met vertrouwen naar Canada komen,” Benoot explained. Benoot noted that a super-strong Van Aert previously secured a second-place finish in Montréal behind Tadej Pogačar in 2022, proving his physiological suitability for the terrain.
Assessing the Contenders: Van Aert Versus Van der Poel
While Van Aert arrives battle-hardened from three-week Grand Tour racing, Mathieu van der Poel presents a different preparation profile. Van der Poel has spent a period away from road racing competition, making his exact current form more difficult to gauge for analysts and rivals alike.
“Bij Mathieu is het een beetje afwachten, want hij heeft al een tijdje niet meer op de weg gekoerst. Maar we weten wat hij kan, hé,” Benoot remarked regarding the Dutch multi-discipline star.
Did You Know?
Wout van Aert previously finished second behind Tadej Pogačar at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal in 2022, demonstrating that the heavy climbing profile of the Canadian classic suits his physical characteristics when he reaches peak form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many laps will riders complete at the World Championships in Montréal?
What is Wout van Aert’s current racing status ahead of the World Championships?
Wout van Aert comes into the World Championships following strong climbing performances in the Vuelta a España, giving his team high confidence in his physical readiness.
How is Mathieu van der Poel approaching the world title race?
Stay Updated on the Road Cycling Season
Want more insider analysis and expert commentary on the upcoming World Championships? Subscribe to our daily newsletter or explore our latest race reports to follow every breakaway and tactical shift.