‘Bling’ shines with brilliant race win in Québec City

Sunweb’s Michael Matthews (AUS) came out on top over a pair of Belgians, including 2016 Montrèal winner Greg van Avermaet (BMC Racing) and Jasper Steven (Trek-Segafredo) on Friday to claim the first of two Canadian WorldTour races in Québec this weekend.

The 27-year-old Australian, who is fresh off a stage win and a runner-up general classification standing at the Binck Bank Tour (UCI 2.UWT) and fourth at the Bretagne Classic (1.UWT) last month, claimed his 32nd pro victory at Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (1.UWT) at the end of the 201.6-kilometre road race in Québec City.

Last year’s Tour de France points champion, who was forced to abandon this year’s Tour prior to the start of Stage 5 due illness.

“This is my first win in a classic,” said Matthews. “I’ve had wins on each of the Grand Tours and I won the green jersey on the Tour de France. But I had never won a one-day race at WorldTour level and I’m especially happy it took place in Québec as I love coming here every year. That’s the thing I thought about when I crossed the line.

“I’m the second Australian to win here after Simon Gerrans,” he continued. “He was one of my idols in cycling. It was one of my team’s goals today to race here the way he did in 2014 and I was capable to do that. He won’t be here next year unfortunately.”

For the 2016 Olympic champion, it was a bittersweet result after now finished second Québec City for the fourth time.

“I was twice second behind Peter Sagan, now I’m behind Michael Matthews,” said 33-year-old van Avermaet. “I’m on the podium again. That’s something. It’s a good result for me too. I launched the sprint with 200 metres to go.

“I like to do long sprints, but Michael was really strong. I was behind him and I could not do any better. But I’m glad with my form and I hope to do better in Montréal.”

The second and final race concludes on Sunday in Montréal (195.2km) on Sunday.

For full race results, click here.