The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec is back Friday for a 12the edition, to the great delight of the traders of the Old Capital, who see it as an opportunity to extend the tourist season.
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“We look forward to this event every year. We are right on the circuit, people come to have something to eat while sitting in the front row,” says Jean-François Barré, former cyclist and director of the Pub Saint-Alexandre on Rue Saint-Jean.
Jean-François Barré, director of Pub Saint-Alexandre, is eagerly awaiting the start of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, which will take place in front of his shop. Jeremy Bernier
The start of the twelfth edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec will take place on Friday morning at 11 a.m. on the Grande Allée Est. More than 150 runners will take part in the event, which runs until 4:15 p.m. and will be broadcast in more than 130 countries.
Cyclists have to cover the 12.6 km long route 16 times, for a total of 201.6 km.
You pass the Plains of Abraham, the Côte Gilmour and Boulevard Champlain. They then head up the Côte de la Montagne before crossing Old Quebec and returning via Rue Saint-Louis.
The start takes place at 11 a.m. on the Grande Allée Est. Provided by the City of Quebec
Benefits for everyone
On Thursday, Le Journal could see some participants already checking out the circuit to look around and discuss strategies ahead of the big day.
“Every runner has a big team behind them, which brings a lot of people into the city center. Not to mention the tourists who come just for the event. We have to prepare accordingly!” says Claudia Lacroix, manager at Casse-Crêpe Breton.
Hadler Hasmukh, manager of the Portofino. Jeremy Bernier
Like many other establishments, the restaurant is expecting a big weekend and has prepared its staff accordingly.
“Events like this help boost the neighborhood’s economy. Everyone wins and benefits from the advantages,” emphasizes Hadler Hasmukh, Director of Portofino.
Unrest party
The Grand Prix organizers also made final preparations and installed security barriers and restricted access to certain traffic arteries on Thursday.
Around twenty streets will be closed to traffic and parking for the duration of the event (see map above). Hôtel-Dieu users have access to shuttles from Gare du Palais.
The organizers of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec were busy with final preparations on Thursday. Jeremy Bernier
However, the rain could spoil the party for some, as showers are forecast: up to 10 mm of rain could fall during the day, with a temperature that feels like 31 degrees.
“People just have to take refuge with us to watch the race, we are happy to welcome them!” says Mr. Barré jokingly.
Best viewing points
- George V Square
- Fan village and official store of the Grand Prix Cycliste
- Francophonie Park
- Protocol office for the presentation of the runners at 10 a.m.
- graduation ceremony
- Coast of Coin De Capri and Gilmour
- Spectacular place
- Fast descent on a tight bend on Gilmour Hill
- mountain coast
- Spectacular place
- Scary steep hill for climbers
- Corner of Glacis and Saint-Jean
Moody weather
- Maximum 23°C (Humidex 31)
- Showers during the day (10 mm expected)
- Cloudy sky
Source: City of Quebec and Environment Canada