September 11/10 17:31 pm - ProTour Arrives in Montreal

Posted by Editoress on 09/11/10
 

After a leisurely train ride down from Quebec City this morning, the ProTour arrived in Montreal at lunchtime for the GP Cycliste de Montreal tomorrow.  The 16 lap race is to be held on the historic Mont Royal circuit, first used internationally for the 1974 World Championships, as well as the 1976 Olympics, and multiple World Cups for both men and women since then.

The Mayor of Montreal, Gerard Tremblay, along with UCI President Pat McQuaid, race organizer Serge Arsenault and technical consultant Charly Mottet, held a brief press conference to kick off the event.

Mayor Tremblay welcomed the teams and riders to Montreal, pointing out the long history of cycling in the city, and expressing hope that Montreal becomes entrenched in the ProTour schedule.  He commented that "participation in the race gives Montreal additional prestige, as well as an economic benefit and, just as important, the impact the sport can have on youth to inspire them."

Mr McQuaid acknowledged the long tradition of cycling in Montreal, and said that, based on the success in Quebec yesterday, he firmly believes that tomorrow will be just as successful and that Montreal should have no concerns about being part of the ProTour in the future.

A question was asked (again) about Quebec bidding for the 2015 Worlds.  The Mayor expressed his support for his sister city, and Mr McQuaid explained "The interest is there; I discussed the matter with the Mayor.  But it is too early for further discussions at this point.  Yesterday showed that it could certainly be a big success.  With respect to 2015 ... in Melbourne (this year's Road Worlds and UCI Congress), I know we will be discussing the possibility of holding the world championships outside of Europe, and then looking at potential candidates."

Pat McQuaid, Charly Mottet, Gerard Tremblay, Serge Arsenault, Bernard Vallet