Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec 2024 was decided in a bunch sprint across the finish line, following 201.6-kilometers fast riding on a circuit in the streets of the city of Quebec, Canada.

Australian Michael Matthews (Jayco-Alula) proved the fastest man of the day, when he accelerated in the final three-hundred meters and pushed his bike across the finish line ahead of fellow sprint ace and Tour de France points classification winner Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) and Frenchman Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ). 

Smilingly, Matthews raised his right hand while showing three fingers to proudly signal he has now won the annual Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec classic event no less than three times.

The sprint finish followed an exciting race that had been dominated first by a long breakaway and later by attacks from always popular Tour de France Champion Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and last year’s Grand Prix Quebec winner Arnaud de Lie (Lotto-Dstny). The powerful attacks in the final lap split the peloton into multiple groups.

“Today’s victory is very important to me for multiple reasons,” Matthews told Roadcycling.com after being celebrated on the podium. “I’ve recently lost my grandmother and to come back here and win the race a third time is an emotional moment for me. My season had started well with the classics, but I then had no results until today.”

Girmay and Molard were visibly disappointed to have missed out on a memorable stage victory. “This was a tough race, and it was a hard day on the bike,” Girmay explained to Roadcycling.com. “The race was harder this year, and my legs were hurting in the final two laps.” 

Molard was hoping to win the event to be able to dedicate the victory to his newborn son. “I’ve recently become a dad, so this podium finish is for my son Gino,” Molard smilingly told Roadcycling.com. “I must remember third place here is a great reward following a very complicated season for me.”

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for additional coverage from the professional road cycling season - including the 2024 UCI Cycling World Championships in Switzerland.

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