May 23, 2018 (Gatineau, QC) – The Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau is back for a 9th consecutive year, from June 7 to 8. Among the many races that are scheduled, it is especially those sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that holds attention. Reserved for the international women elite, the Road Race on June 7 and the Chrono Gatineau, on June 8 are among other races that are part of the overall schedule.

Precisely, 14 teams will be competing in the 104.4 km closed circuit, mass start road race. This will be the first participation in the event for the oh-so-popular American team, Rally. Other important teams such as Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank, UnitedHealthcare, Cyclery Racing, West of Quebec Wheelers and SMA Cycling will attempt to reach the first steps of the podium. The 23-year-old from Gatineau, Arianne Bonhomme, will also be part of the competition wearing the Cyclery Racing team jersey.

Can Lauren Stephens defend her title?

At the UCI Chrono time trial race, the competition will be fierce for American Stephen Laurens of the Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank team who will be trying to defend her title for a second consecutive year. Let us recall that she had covered the 17.3 km technical circuit in 3:20.09 during the 2017 Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau, nearly four seconds ahead of 2nd place runner Carol Ann Canuel. From the Twenty20 formation, Chloé Dygert, holder of the world record for the pursuit over 3000 meters, will certainly be Lauren’s main obstacle.

As a reminder, the Coupe Québec Cuisses Or de l’Outaouais, reserved for cyclists aged 5 to 16, and the Navy bike ride, a family circuit on the Gatineau and Ottawa roads, will take place on June 9 and 10. The Medio Fondo (69 km) and Gran Fondo (111.8 km) are also back on Sunday, June 10. Entries are open to cyclists from the public wishing to take up the challenge of these cyclosportives. To encourage athletes or to take part in one of the races open to the public, we invite you to visit here.