"With the climbers they have here, it’s going to be very difficult” - Michael Matthews doubts chances of taking Canadian double in Montreal

After his stunning victory on Friday at the GP Quebec, you might expect that Michael Matthews would be heading to the GP Montreal full of confidence. As it turns out though, the Aussie is a little unsure of taking a Canadian double.

“Unfortunately, it was a different race in Montreal when I won. I think now the climbers they have here, it’s going to be very difficult,” the 2018 GP Montreal winner and now three-time GP Quebec winner, says honestly in quotes collected by Velo ahead of this Sunday's race. “But we’ve also got Simon Yates if it’s too hard for me. He’s an amazing climber and he loves this race too in Montreal.”

After his victory on Friday, the 33-year-old cut a visibly emotional figure afterwards. “My grandma actually passed away last week Wednesday. Her funeral was this Wednesday in Canberra in Australia,” he explained at the time. “So this victory is for her.”

“I had a really good start to the year. But since Flanders with my disqualification in that sprint, my head rolled off a little bit, honestly," Matthews continued. “With the Tour de France and the Olympics, I was trying to make up for that unfortunate relegation. To bounce back here with the lead up to the World Championships with a win here in Quebec is incredible.”

Finally, Matthews was also full of praise for his good friend and favourite to take victory this Sunday in Montreal, UAE Team Emirates leader, Tadej Pogacar. “Tadej is number one cyclist in the world at the moment. He’s done some things this year that we’ve never seen in cycling before,” Matthews says warmly. "I’m a fan of him also. So I think when he comes to Canada it’s not so often and I understand that the fans love him and he’s great for the sport.”