"It's been since Lance Armstrong" - Quinn Simmons wants to end USA's World Championships drought in Montreal

Quinn Simmons has begun his road race season in France, doing one-day races over the past two weekends; and is racing Strade Bianche this Saturday as one of the outsiders for a top results. The 24-year old could be very well adapted to racing in the gravel and in an event where the short efforts and endurance are key; and certainly motivated to perform here; as well as in other races later in the year which include the Montreal World Championships.

“You always maintain the confidence from your last race. This was different for the first time," Simmons said in conversation with Wielerflits. "My first season was ruined by the coronavirus pandemic. The second year, I crashed in that October edition of Paris-Roubaix, and in the years that followed, my season was repeatedly ended by illness.”

But in 2025, Simmons wrapped off a strong year with an impressive breakaway performance at Il Lombardia which then saw him resist to a fourth place - impressive by all means, taking into consideration it's a climber's race. “Now I’ve finished with a good feeling, and then you can really enjoy the offseason. You don’t constantly think back to how bad it was. Moreover, you finish the year in good shape, which means you have less catching up to do when you start training again. Because of that, I didn’t experience any stress during the winter. Hopefully, that will pay off".

Whilst his form didn't come through in the French classics, Simmons is slowly building up towards the main goals in the spring which include Amstel Gold Race, but start with Strade Bianche where he should have solo leadership.

"I love being in Tuscany and racing there; the scenery is stunning. I've also done well there in the past, which helps. This race... I haven't achieved a top result yet, but I feel it's possible," the American winks. "That's why I want to keep trying. It's a big race, and not many of them suit me. I love the course, racing in Italy, and the Italian fans."

Amstel Gold Race and the Tour de France are particularly important goals, however then the World Championships in Montreal perhaps stand above that. Last fall he finished third to Brandon McNulty and Tadej Pogacar, but surprised with how strong he looked and distanced the rest of the field.

"During the race, I didn't feel myself deteriorating, while I saw others doing so. Of course, I was racing for second place. But being there in the final of a race with 4,000 meters of elevation gain and my weight really gave me a confidence boost," he recalls. "Especially with the team we have to start with, which is a team the United States hasn't had access to for a long time. On the course in Montreal, three Americans could potentially compete for a medal".

He refered to Matteo Jorgenson and McNulty himself; making for a very dangerous trio who could have a 'home' advantage, although the race takes place in Canada. "The group we have now is pretty good at going the extra mile for each other. Everyone is honest, and ultimately, we ride for whoever is best on that day. We sacrifice each other's chances for that".

Simmons knows it is a difficult goal, but he puts the team's ambitions on a sky-high level right from the start of the year. "Hopefully, I'll be the one it's all about at the end of September. Riding for the national team is an honor in itself. We want to fight for that medal, because it's been a long time since we've achieved this. I think it's been since Lance Armstrong's world title. Too long ago. Time to change that".