12 things you need to know about Montréal, host city of the 2026 UCI Road World Championships
The Worlds are coming to Quebec – but what lies in wait for bike riders and fans in the City of Saints and Sinners, and cyclists?
1. Montréal has previously hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 1974, making it the first city outside of Europe to host the prestigious event. Eddy Merckx won the rainbow jersey that year, completing a Triple Crown.
2. The name Montréal comes from the local First Nation people, who named the volcanic hill Mount Royal, from which the city's name was derived.
3. Founded on 17 May 1642, Montréal predates Canada's establishment in 1867.
4. Montréal's streets are adorned with vibrant graffiti and murals, including one of Canadian cyclist Michael Woods, in place of the controversial Hugo Houle mural, which has generated controversy.
5. The city is renowned for its poutine, a beloved dish made of chips, gravy, cheese curds, and spring onions. Local IPAs also pair well with this hearty food, perfect for fueling before a cycling event.
6. Montréal is famous for its bagels, particularly Fairmount Bagels, baked in wood-fired ovens in the Le Plateau neighborhood, making it a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
7. Montréal boasts extensive bike infrastructure, including protected lanes, dedicated bike streets, and the popular BIXI bike-sharing system, ensuring smooth rides for both locals and cyclists attending the world championships.
8. Like Manhattan, Montréal is an island surrounded by the St Lawrence River, which flows into the vast Gulf of St Lawrence, providing picturesque views for visitors.
9. The city is home to black squirrels, raccoons, and chipmunks, which can often be spotted in green spaces like Mount Royal and Parc Jean-Drapeau.
10. Beneath Montréal lies a vast network of subterranean tunnels, stretching over 30km, providing warmth and comfort during the harsh winter months, though cycling isn't permitted in these passageways.
11. Île Notre-Dame, a small island in the St Lawrence River, offers cyclists a unique experience by allowing them to ride around the historic Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit named after Canadian racing legend Gilles Villeneuve.
12. Known as both the City of Saints for its numerous Catholic churches and cathedrals, and the City of Sin for its role in Prohibition-era American boozy weekends, Montréal is a diverse and vibrant city ready to host the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
