May 12, 2009 РThe Tour de Qu̩bec will be back on July 9-12 with five stages in the region of Quebec. This year Tour will feature four new and exciting stages. The Tour will start on the Orleans Island with a 135km road race. The second day will see riders perform over a very fast 5km individual time trial following the St-Lawrence river, just by Quebec city bridge.

Later on that day, Quebec City crowds will have the opportunity to enjoy a great show as the riders will do a 50km criterium in the area of Beauport. Last year last stage in St-Augustin will be on the Saturday with riders doing 110km. Last stage (100km) will be in St-Anne-de-Beaupré on a pretty difficult course which will showcase the best riders in the overall classification battling for the victory and the KOM competition.

The stages are:
– Stage 1: ÃŽle d’Orléans road race- 135km
– Stage 2: Boul Champlain time trial- 5km
– Stage 3: Beauport criterium – 50km
– Stage 4: St-Augustin road race – 110km
РStage 5: St-Anne-de-Beaupr̩ road race Р110km

Race organizers Jean-Michel Lachance and Pascal Choquette already have one international team from France confirmed, Entente Cycliste Sud Méditerrannée and hope to confirmed participations with some US UCI teams. “It is not too late to participate to the Tour of Québec; accommodation is very affordable, neutral support is provided and housing might be provided on a first come first serve basis.” said the organizers. In addition to the Pro 1-2 category, the organization has put together a one day road race on July 11th in St-Augustin.

For more information visit <http://www.tourdequebec.com/>www.tourdequebec.com.