Hugo Houle set for UCI Road World Championships in Montreal

Recovery from the Vuelta a España

“It’s going much better,” Houle said during a press conference. “The Vuelta was extremely difficult, with the heat as well. I was lucky, I did a week less, so it gave me more recovery time. In hindsight, that’s good for the Worlds.”

Following his withdrawal from Spain, the Quebec native completed training blocks in Europe. He intentionally skipped the Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et Montréal to focus entirely on regaining his peak physical condition and minimizing distractions ahead of the global event.

“It’s going well, I like the sensations I have,” Houle said regarding his current form. “But it’s one day, so the body has to say yes on Sunday.”

Motivation for a Career Milestone

With his professional contract carrying an agreement for one more season, Houle views the Montreal showcase as a significant moment in his career.

“The Worlds in Montreal gave me the motivation to continue a few years,” Houle noted.

International road cycling championships rarely visit locations outside Europe, having occurred only about a dozen times across a century of competition. Montreal previously hosted the global event in 1974.

“People in Quebec may not realize how exceptional it is to have World Championships outside of Europe,” Houle said.

Experience and Past World Championship History

Houle brings extensive major-race experience to the start line, having completed six Tours de France, three Giros d’Italia, two Vueltas a España, two Olympic Games, and eight previous World Championships. Despite that extensive resume, he has finished the elite road race at the World Championships only once, back in 2017.

He missed the recent world championships in Rwanda due to a financial dispute with Cycling Canada. Sunday’s race gives him the opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of family and friends.