Andrea Bagioli "content with my podium" alongside Worlds favourites Pogacar and Van Aert

The GP de Montréal, having extreme similarities to the World Championships this year, has attracted a very strong field to Canada for riders to prepare for the big one in two weeks. In the winning group of five there was a surprise, as Andrea Bagioli may have netted himself a leading position with an outstanding performing in Montréal.

Alongside Mikkel Honoré and Mauro Schmid, Bagioli started the final Canadian race as the leader of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team. However, with few indications of good form, it came as a surprise to see the Italian directly responding to the attack of Tadej Pogacar in the final true climb of the race. “Everything happened on the last lap, and when the attacks of the favourites came I sensed it could be the right moment to go, so I went and did my best to stay there," he said after the race.

As he kept up with Pogacar, Van Aert, Gaudu and Adam Yates up the climbs, he became a contender for the win, having a well-known strong sprint in his arsenal. He withstood again the attacks in the final kilometers, and entered the final sprint in good position. "I felt good despite this demanding course, one of the hardest of the season, and in the sprint I gave everything," he detailed.

"I am content with my podium, it’s a good result going into the last weeks of the season, and I hope to come back here one day and win it," the 23-year old said. Bagioli came home third, neck-to-neck with Wout van Aert who held on to second place as Tadej Pogacar took the win. Bagioli was not being taken into account much to the World, but following this performance he may take the leading role in Italy's team alongside Alberto Bettiol. He will likely race the Skoda Tour Luxembourg from tomorrow onwards to complete his preparation for the big race, in which he's reaching peak form just in time.