The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec is the first of the two Canadian WorldTour races on the schedule for this weekend. The riders will tackle 16 laps of a hilly 12.6km circuit around the city of Québec, for a total of 210.6km and almost 3,000 meters of elevation gain.

Team Giant-Alpecin coach Aike Visbeek said: "Our focus will be on Simon Geschke. I expect a smaller group to sprint for victory in Québec, and this course suits Simon very well. 

"Positioning ahead of the final climb will be crucial on Friday, and with Nikias Arndt and Ramon Sinkeldam we have at least two riders who are capable of playing a key role in the finale. Warren Barguil will enjoy a free role, which gives us more tactical options."

The second Canadian WorldTour race is the sixth edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Sunday, September 13. The race is comparable to Friday’s race in Québec, as it covers 205.7km over 17 laps, with a total of 3,893 meters of elevation gain.

"Montréal is normally a course that suits Warren Barguil. With his racing instinct and climbing capabilities he will be our leader on Sunday," explained coach Aike Visbeek.

"Simon Geschke will be our man in the event that a larger group makes it to the finish. It will be important to keep our focus throughout, as it is easy to lose control of the race. We will have more chances if we race offensively, and teamwork will be crucial in this."

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Nikias Arndt (GER)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Simon Geschke (GER)
Chad Haga (USA)
Fredrik Ludvigsson (SWE)
Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE)
Georg Preidler (AUT)
Ramon Sinkeldam (NED)