Canadien Grand Prix Previews

The upcoming weekend brings us 2 Grand Prix races in Canada, with the first one Friday in Quebec and the 2nd Sunday in Montreal. Because these races have nearly identical startlists and similar profiles (though the Quebec race has a longer summit finish but the Montreal race has tougher climbs in the middle of the course), I will classify them together in my preview. I don't expect either of these races to be sprints, with both having uphill finishes and a few other hills throughout the course to tire out the sprinters. Riders to Watch:

Ryder Hesjedal- Great classics/crit rider who is certainly well suited to the profiles, but that isn't even half of it. Hesjedal, by far the most well-known Canadien cyclist (hence the nickname "Weight of a Nation") is expected to perform in front of his home fans and promote his sport in his homeland. I will make the bold prediction that he will win one of the races, or at least be in serious contention in both of them.

Peter Sagan- He is one of maybe 2 or 3 sprinters that stand a chance at these summit finishes and intermediate climbs. I would expect him to maybe give it a go in Montreal, as the finish is a bit flatter.

Sylvain Chavanel- I just have a feeling about this guy. The courses suit his style perfectly and I just have this instinct that he will be a factor to win. Chavanel is wrapping up a banner year, highlighted with 2 Tour stages and a few days in the Maillot Jaune.

Damiano Cunego- This guy is hungry for a win. I would especially keep an eye on him tomorrow in Quebec, though he may try to launch a move on the earlier climb in Montreal. He is always a threat, especially when he is on form.

Edvald Boasson-Hagen- Like Sagan, he is on a short list of sprinters that can make this thing interesting. Eddy BH is also having quite the year, and would love to cap it off with a GP or 2.

Samuel Sanchez- He is one of the better climbers in the field, and can make things interesting with a late attack.

Robert Gesink- Falls into the same category as Sanchez, except he is not a fan of the flats. Expect him to be as good as any in a climb, though, especially if the summit finish turns into a free-for-all at the end.

Levi Leipheimer- See above 2. Great climber, not much for classics but the talent is undeniable.

Other notables: Ivan Basso, Ivan Gutierrez, George Hincapie, Sandy Casar, Matti Lloyd, Thomas Voeckler, Chris Horner, Matti Breschel

QUEBEC

MONTREAL