Elite riders roll at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal
Outdoor Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End Festivals and events
For over five muscle-burning, perspiration-pouring hours, elite cyclists from around the world — competitors in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Summer Olympics and the like – bring peak athletic performance to, fittingly, the peaks of Mount Royal for the 2025 edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
Top-tier talent
The annual Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, taking place on September 14, features the cream of the crop of Planet Earth’s pro cyclists, and is one of only two Union cycliste internationale (UCI) world tour events in North America. For this 14th installment of the hugely popular event, more than 80 000 spectators will again take advantage of the opportunity to see their heroes up close and personal on a uniquely challenging Montréal course. Added bonus: excepting VIP hospitality experiences (more on those below), admission to the Grand Prix, and its numerous scenic vantage points along the circuit’s route, is free for all.
Cycling’s best take the Mount Royal test
An approximately 150-rider peloton representing 18 international teams will snake its way along an exhilarating 12.3 km urban race circuit that winds in and around Mount Royal Park on the city’s iconic Mount Royal. And while perhaps more unassuming than others when it comes to imagining Canadian mountains, don’t underestimate our little guy. Competitors will need to scale the heights of Mount Royal 17 times, enduring demanding climbs and rapid descents. When all is said and done, they’ll have climbed 4,573 metres of elevation — equivalent to an Alpine stage on the Tour de France.
It takes a VIP Village
And the race route isn’t the only thing that’s elevated: Access to the VIP Village offers a host of benefits, such as multiple screens to watch the race live, unlimited refreshment service, and a gourmet selection.
A free kingdom of fandom for everyone
It doesn’t cost anything to go and watch the Grand Prix, and attendees will once again also enjoy free access to the lively Fans’ Village, located just steps from the start/finish line. The family-friendly Fans’ Village features many exhibits related to cycling, as well as food and refreshments and the official Grand Prix Cycliste boutique. There will also be loads of fun activities for kids, prizes to be won, a terrace for relaxing and giant screens to take in the race.
Jamie O'Meara
Jamie O'Meara was the Editor-in-Chief at C2 Montréal and the former Editor-in-Chief of alt-weekly newspaper HOUR Magazine.