Canadian Michael Woods is still feeling the impact of his stage win at the last Tour de France and believes he still has the form to aim for a podium in Montreal on Sunday.

The Israel Premier Tech team color bearer has three other teammates who have also won stages in the Tour de France: Hugo Houle, Simon Clarke and Daryl Impey. New Zealand driver Corbin was also able to surprise at the track in Quebec.

“It’s a dream to get a result in Canada, but for me, Montreal is the goal. The race is longer and with more elevation changes. I have faith in myself. You have to be a hero and mentally strong. Even if I don’t win, I still want to do something special for the fans,” said the outstanding climber.

Although he now lives in Andorra, Woods arrived in Quebec a few days ago to visit his relatives in the Ottawa area. He then spent some time with the team in Rivière-du-Loup to visit sponsor Premier Tech.

“It’s always great to race in front of family and friends. I myself traveled almost 200 kilometers in 2010 to see the race in Montreal. Canada is my home.”

The French secret

For his part, reigning Quebec champion Benoît Cosnefroy knows it will be difficult to repeat his 2022 performance. However, the rain could shake up the cards. Since 2010, only two cyclists have won the event by attacking the red flame.

“Last year was something very special. Wout Van Aert attacked on the finish line with one lap to go. It was very hard. I felt the chance to go out in the final. It may be the case this year too, although it’s not an ordinary scenario,” said the 27-year-old Frenchman of the AG2R Citroën team.