Tadej Pogacar won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal on Sunday, marking his first triumph since winning his third Tour de France in July.

Pogacar skipped the Olympics but joined a strong field for the two Grand Prix races in Canada this week, with riders seeking top form ahead of the world championships in two weeks.

Pogacar's Late Attack Secures Victory

The Slovenian UAE rider attacked late in the 17 laps of the 12.3-kilometre race around Montreal, securing his 21st win of the season by a clear margin.

Pello Bilbao of Spain finished second, 24 seconds behind, while a group of riders contested a sprint for third. France's Julian Alaphilippe took third in a photo finish, 16 seconds further back, after a grueling five-hour race in 28°C (82°F) heat.

Pogacar Reflects On The Race

"It was great racing, and we did exactly what we wanted to," Pogacar said of his UAE team, who chaperoned him until he attacked with two laps to go, dropping Alaphilippe and American rider Matteo Jorgenson.

"It was super hot, super hard. A bit too hot for me to be honest," added a drained-looking Pogacar at the finish.

Looking Ahead To The World Championships

The Montreal GP is a highly respected one-day classic, but the field at the world championships in two weeks will be even stronger.

"This was great preparation, a motivational boost for two weeks ahead. I can't wait for Zurich," said Pogacar, who finished third at the Glasgow worlds in 2023.

Jayco rider Michael Matthews won the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec on Friday in a tight final sprint ahead of Biniam Girmay and Rudy Molard, while Pogacar came seventh in his first race since July.