In 1974, the first-ever edition of the UCI Road World Cycling Championships was presented outside of Europe on the now legendary Mount Royal circuit. This top cycling event returns to Montréal fifty-two years later from September 20-27, just one week after the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), the first and still the only events on the UCI WorldTour presented in the Americas.

On September 19, the opening ceremony day of Montréal 2026, fans can take part in Rando Vélo Beneva, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride on the official world championship courses. Choose from four distances: 10, 20, 40 or 70 km, and become part of this historic moment in the heart of Montréal.

The next day the Elite women’s and men’s Time Trial kick off the UCI Road World Championships kick off as the first rainbow jersey champions are crowned. Don’t miss the U23, Junior and Team Time Trial Mixed relay as all riders hope to etch their names in history

On Sept. 24 the road race action begins as the the U23 and Juniors strut their stuff. Then on Sept. 26, the excitement builds for the Elite women’s 180 km road race as Canadian fans will cheer on defending champ, Magdeleine Vallières Mill from Quebec.

Then on the final day, Sept. 27, the Elite men will tackle a gruelling 273.2 km course concluding on the Mont-Royal circuit, before the winner claims cycling’s biggest prize, the legendary Road World Championship rainbow jersey.

With 11 official hotels all close to the action, there’s lots to choose from including special group offerings as well – visit montreal2026.org and head to the “Plan Your Trip” section to explore packages.

Montréal is also full of must-see attractions including many iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, and must-eat local delicacies. Enjoy a shopping spree on Sainte-Catherine Street, and take in the cobblestone charm of Vieux-Montréal.

The city’s cycling network spans 1,065 kilometres and it has been awarded the UCI Bike City label, recognizing its strong commitment to cycling, both at the elite level and for everyday urban mobility.

Extend your stay and experience nearby Montérégie, home to the largest cycling network in Quebec featuring over 1,000 kilometers of bike paths for all levels of riders.

The UCI Road World Championships Montréal 2026 will be the city’s largest sporting event since the 1976 Olympic Games, bringing together nearly 1,000 cyclists. This year get ready to be part of the history at Montréal 2026.

Read more about Montreal 2026 here.
Order a copy of Best Cycling Great Escapes with a feature on Montreal and many other great cycling getaways here.

The Alyth Gravel Network features 13 carefully designed and interconnected routes for gravel and mountain bikes, linking Alyth with quiet lanes, forest tracks, riverside trails, open moorland and historic sites across the Cateran Ecomuseum. Developed by Bikepacking Scotland founder and guidebook author Markus Stitz, the network is designed to make it easier for riders to explore the area responsibly, stay longer and support local businesses.

The routes build on Alyth’s growing reputation as a cycling destination. The town is already home to the Cateran Dirt Dash, a two-day bikepacking event that brings riders from across the UK to Perthshire each spring, and benefits from bike-friendly accommodation, bike hire and local food and drink businesses. Some of the routes are also accessible by public transport, with Ember bus services between Dundee and Aberdeen stopping at Blairgowrie, Bridge of Cally and Glenshee.

Markus Stitz, who developed the network, said: “Gravel cycling is one of the best ways to experience this part of Scotland. From Alyth you can ride straight into a huge variety of landscapes: wooded glens, open moors, rivers, farmland and quiet back roads. All without needing to drive anywhere. The Alyth Gravel Network gives visitors the confidence to explore, while encouraging them to spend time in the town and the surrounding communities.”

The project also highlights the heritage of the Cateran Ecomuseum, where riders can discover places connected to old drove roads, military roads, stone circles, standing stones and other landmarks that have shaped the area over centuries.

Designed with a mix of abilities in mind, the network includes shorter rides suitable for relaxed half-day adventures, as well as longer and more challenging routes for experienced gravel cyclists. All routes, including detailed descriptions, images and downloadable GPX files, are available on the Cateran Ecomuseum website.

Sarah Marshall, Senior Community Investment Manager from SSE, said: “The Alyth Gravel Network is exactly the kind of community-focused project that SSE’s Drumderg Community Fund is pleased to support. It encourages people to explore the area in a sustainable way, while bringing visitors into Alyth to stay locally, hire bikes, visit cafés and shops, and discover the wider Cateran Ecomuseum. That creates a positive impact for local businesses and the wider community.”

The Alyth Gravel Network routes are now available at cateranecomuseum.co.uk/explore or on Komoot.

Among the thousands of U.S. cities ranked this year, 555 communities scored 50 or higher — the threshold we consider the tipping point to becoming a great place to bike. That’s up from 234 cities last year and just 33 cities in 2019. As communities nationwide invest in better biking, explore the highest-rated small, medium, and large U.S. cities and see where the strongest markets for biking are growing.

Biking in America Is Getting Better
Despite stricter standards for what counts as low-stress infrastructure, the average City Ratings score across all U.S. cities climbed from 25 to 36 in 2026. Check out this year’s summary report to explore the trends shaping bikeability in cities nationwide – click here.

Great Places to Bike Are Good for Business 
When cities invest in better bike infrastructure, more people ride, and that’s good for the entire industry. Great places to ride drive sales, expand participation, and build communities where biking is part of everyday life. PeopleForBikes City Ratings gives cities — and the industry — the data to make it happen. The Benefits of Great Places to Ride here.

For the PeopleForBikes’ 2026 City Ratings click here – for top 10 by population click here.

Baumier wheels offer two remarkable qualities – a lifetime warranty and they’re made in Canada – and we were excited to test their RT40 Lifetime wheelset this spring. Other wheels in the lineup include the RT40 Hors-Catégorie (HC), the GT24 Ultralight, and the GT24 Lifetime.

Founded by Benjamin du Haÿs, who previously co-founded Mobeewave that developed secure contactless payment technology and was acquired by Apple, Baumier also recently launched its very first complete bicycle, the B01 that also features their wheels – read our Baumier B01 Toronto launch report here.

According to the Baumier website, “From manufacturing to assembly, Baumier takes the time to ensure that every rim meets the highest standard of quality and reliability. We’re all about high-performance wheels designed to last.” Of note, the company also reflects a philosophy, “where performance and responsibility go hand in hand,” underscoring Baumier’s commitment to more ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.

When looking for a set of carbon fibre wheels, there’s a lot to consider such as size and weight which are two key factors in the evaluation process. The Baumier RT 40 wheels measure up at 40mm in height with a 19mm inner width, and they weigh in at 1,387gms for the wheelset. 

Where these wheels truly differentiate themselves from the rest of the peloton, is in their durability. The RT 40 utilizes 24 titanium spokes and a titanium freehub body, which are intended to maximize longevity, and as noted, Baumier confidently backs their wheelsets with a lifetime guarantee. 

While many brands market carbon wheels primarily around speed, Baumier positions their RT40 as a wheelset designed to be ridden hard for many years, rather than be replaced after a few seasons. 

The wheels can be configured with a SRAM or Shimano compatible freehub body, and come with a center lock disc brake mount and thru axles. Being tubeless ready is another nice feature, but for our test report they were ridden with tubes for simplicity’s sake. 

The RT40s are the kind of wheels that you can put on your bike and ride all day long, and in all conditions. These wheels offer a natural feel and stiffness while cornering and climbing, but not a teeth-rattling, rigid feel when the road gets rough. 

They do a good job of taking any road vibrations out of the ride, and they make the ride feel more compliant and easier during longer excursions.

Another standout feature of the RT40 wheelset is its focus on ride comfort. Baumier claims the titanium spokes naturally absorb vibration, creating a smoother ride than many traditional carbon wheelsets.

For endurance riders, gran fondo participants, and cyclists who spend long hours on rough pavement, this could be a genuine advantage over ultra-stiff race wheels.

These wheels also shine when the road turns to gravel. Their dampening quality really help take the edge out of gravel roads which helps minimize bike vibrations, allowing for longer gravels rides and less fatigue at the end of the outing. 

The 40 mm profile is a great height and is the sweet spot between aerodynamics and crosswind stability. This depth is great for all-around road riding because it maintains its aerodynamic qualities without becoming overly difficult to handle in gusty conditions. 

The no frills finish also provides a durable look to the wheels that isn’t high polish, but rather presents a visually striking classic carbon weave that can handle the rigours of gravel races and still come out looking great. 

Baumier’s RT40 wheelset is less about chasing marginal gains and more about creating a premium wheelset that remains comfortable, dependable, and enjoyable over thousands of kilometers – all with an aero advantage. Made in Canada is just the icing on the cake!

The MSRP is $3,495 with specs below and for more information please visit here.

Size        700c
Construction      Carbon – hooked
Tire Compatibility             23mm – 40mm – tubeless or tubed
Brake Compatibility         Disc (Center Lock)
Inner Width        19mm
Outer Width       26mm
Rim Depth           40mm
Max Tire Pressure            120psi/8.4bar
Max Recommended System Weight         265lbs/120kg
Front Weight      648g
Rear Weight       749g
Wheelset Weight             1397g
Hub Type             Erase Centerlock SP
Engagement       36 points of engagement / 10 degrees
Freehub Body    SRAM XDR / Shimano HG / Shimano Micro spline
Spoke Type         Ti Duo Aero
Spoke Count       24
Bearing Material               Steel

Over the course of the weekend, riders will race up picturesque mountain roads, experience historical downtown Fernie and connect with a growing community of Canadian gravel cyclists. Following their mission, Anything Goes With Gravel, the race itself is open to anyone and everyone and offers multiple distances, race categories and fun activities for the whole family all weekend long.

FGG Weekend Schedule

Friday, July 3rd | Station Square 
FESTIVAL & EXPO DAY 
12:00pm – Venue & Rider Package Pickup Opens
1:00pm – Shakeout Ride p/b Specialized
2:00pm – Women’s+ Ride p/b Tactic Nutrition
4:30pm – Athlete Panel Q&A
5:30pm – Rider Welcome Meeting
6:45pm – Beer Garden Last Call 
7:00pm – Industry Night Closes

Saturday, July 4th | Station Square
THE GRAVEL GRIND 
7:30am to 8:45am – Late rider sign in and package pickup 9:00am – Long Haul Start
TBA- Medium Haul Start
TBA – Short Haul Start 
12:30-3:30pm – Riders Finish at Station Square
TUNES IN THE TOWN – Everyone Welcome! Live Music, Beer Tent, Food Trucks and more! FREE!
4:00pm – Wattsup Challenge p/b Bowhead Corp. 
5:30pm – Award Presentations p/b 7mesh Apparel
6:30pm – Little Bit Good Band
8:30pm – Rubber Tire Peep Show 
11:00pm – Tunes in the Town Closes

Register here.

“Since releasing our original statement on the unfortunate cancellation of the Canadian Gravel Championships, we were heartbroken to see disinformation and misguided rhetoric posted online that completely mischaracterized what happened and how the extremely difficult decision was reached. It is important to us that people take time to get the facts before reaching their respective conclusions,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports.   

While high temperatures were expected in the weather forecast that day, conditions were much worse than anticipated. “However, race day conditions rose far beyond what we and the majority of racers predicted. While regional and start/finish air temperatures reached 35°C, riders were experiencing recorded peak temperatures near 40°C on the steepest and exposed parts of the course where the radiant heat was almost unbearable.” 

“The event team reviewed conditions against UCI Extreme Weather Protocol criteria where on course measurements and medical reports confirmed air temperatures ≥ 35°C, heat‑related medical cases were rising, medical teams were overloaded, response times were delayed, and water supplies were depleting faster than expected. These conditions met the threshold requiring race cancellation.”

Former to pro, Michael Woods, had apparently already finished the men’s race as the “unofficial” winner when the announcement was made. Woods had broken away from defending champ Benjamin Perry and Andrew “Lespy” L’Esperance who also finished the 123km race.

The women’s race included top riders such as Hailey Smith, Lucy Hempstead and Kaitlyn Rauwerda, who were leading at the time that the event was cancelled.

Despite the disappointment felt by riders, teams and fans, the safety of all competitors took precedence. The entire situation and the status of the championship race results and titles is being reviewed by Cycling Canada and organizer Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

“We are deeply disappointed that we could not properly recognize on race day the incredible effort and dedication so many athletes brought to this championship. No one is more devastated than we are. But your safety will always come before results, podiums, or expectations and that is a principle we will never compromise,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports.

“Panache Cycling Sports has always taken pride in an impeccable safety record, built over years of careful planning, professional standards, and respect for every rider who lines up at our events. That commitment guided us here as well,” wrote Jon Watkin, President and CEO of Panache Cycling Sports – read the full statement below.

Updated Statement on the 2026 Canadian Gravel Championships
Since releasing our original statement on the unfortunate cancellation of the Canadian Gravel Championships, we were heartbroken to see disinformation and misguided rhetoric posted online that completely mischaracterized what happened and how the extremely difficult decision was reached. It is important to us that people take time to get the facts before reaching their respective conclusions.

The event team spent the entire week preparing for a forecast of 28-30°C, following all UCI Extreme Weather Protocol requirements. Prior to race day, we made every effort to notify and warn participants through email communications as well as the riders/managers meeting on June 13. In that meeting (which was in person and available to watch online), we clearly communicated that high temps of up to 30°C were expected on race day and that participants plan accordingly. Safety protocols were also communicated which included how to handle any emergency situation, locations of radio relay points/medical/food stations/on the course, and explaining the emergency evacuation protocol for fire/heat/air quality. A 1:30pm mandatory cutoff mid way at aid station 2 / course lap junction was also highlighted and explained. Further Details of the bottle drop were provided that allowed Championship racers to arrange to have their own feed bag/bottles dropped off on race day early morning and taken to any of the aid stations for them to access. From that point, we were comfortable that the event could proceed as planned.

However, race day conditions rose far beyond what we and the majority of racers predicted. While regional and start/finish air temperatures reached 35°C, riders were experiencing recorded peak temperatures near 40°C on the steepest and exposed parts of the course where the radiant heat was almost unbearable. Water stations were depleting quickly from participants of all ability levels underestimating their respective consumption rates and were experiencing obvious heat related distress. Medical teams reached capacity while responding to multiple incidents and could no longer guarantee safe response times in the very remote areas of the course. Numerous calls for numerous racers requiring pick up and transportation mid-race reached a critical point, adding a new risk situation where introducing more vehicles on course would pose a further risk to racers, especially on the steep downhill gravel sections.

The event team reviewed conditions against UCI Extreme Weather Protocol criteria where on course measurements and medical reports confirmed air temperatures ≥ 35°C, heat related medical cases were rising, medical teams were overloaded, response times were delayed, and water supplies were depleting faster than expected.

These conditions met the threshold requiring race cancellation. The collective decision was made to cancel the event in the interest of rider safety. Radio operators activated the emergency evacuation protocol and instructed riders to return to the start/finish via the shortest route. A coordinated pickup caravan was deployed to retrieve riders who were unable to return on their own due to heat distress.
At the end of the day, the decision to cancel was the only responsible choice. When temperatures spiked far beyond all forecasts and the majority of riders of every ability level began experiencing heat related distress, our duty was clear……protect the athletes. We stand by that decision wholeheartedly.

Panache Cycling Sports has always taken pride in an impeccable safety record, built over years of careful planning, professional standards, and respect for every rider who lines up at our events. That commitment guided us here as well.

We are deeply disappointed that we could not properly recognize on race day the incredible effort and dedication so many athletes brought to this championship. No one is more devastated than we are. But your safety will always come before results, podiums, or expectations and that is a principle we will never compromise.

Jon Watkin
President and CEO
Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

For more information please visit here.

Top racers such as former pro, Michael Woods, were competing in the 123km race with 2,000 meters of climbing, and apparently Woods had already finished the men’s race as the “unofficial” winner. He was followed by defending champ Benjamin Perry and Andrew “Lespy” L’Esperance. It’s unclear what the status of the women’s race was, which included top riders such as Hailey Smith and Lucy Hempstead, at the time that it was cancelled.

The event was run in tandem with the recreational Burnt Bridge Classic, and the status of the championship race results and titles will be reviewed by Cycling Canada and organizer Panache Cycling Sports Ltd. who issued the following statement.

Statement from Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.
On Sunday, June 14, the decision was made to cancel the 2026 Canadian Gravel Championships. This decision was not made lightly. During the event, an assessment was made, that the on-course conditions did not meet the safety standards required for participants to continue racing.

Going into the event, additional precautionary measures had been put in place and communicated at the riders/managers meeting based on weather conditions to be expected at that time.  These included offering a bottle drop at aid stations, adding more water and ice resources, and introducing a mandatory cut off time at 1:30pm for riders at aid station 2.

As the event progressed, we monitored the situation referencing the Cycling BC Air Quality and Extreme Weather Safety Guidelines. Over the course of the day, medical resources began to reach their capacity, creating a vulnerable situation for riders on course.  On course race temperatures of greater than 34+ degrees Celsius were measured, and it became clear that proceeding with the event would not meet the safety standards required for every participant.

We recognize this decision was met with disappointment, and we understand the time, training, and commitment you have invested in participating in the Canadian Gravel Championships event. Panache Cycling Sports is working diligently with Cycling Canada to determine the fairest possible outcome regarding results and titles. We expect to provide an update by the end of the week. 

Your safety is, and will always remain, our highest priority. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued support of gravel racing in Canada. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Cycling Canada directly for clarification. 

Sincerely, 
Jon Watkin
Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.

For more information please visit here.

Important Update on Licensing
Participants taking part in the Burnt Bridge Classic / Canadian Gravel Championships should be mindful of licensing requirements. All riders competing in Canadian Championship categories (Elite, U19, U17) must have a valid UCI license. There will be no one-day or citizen licenses issued for Canadian Championship categories.

Masters riders racing in the Canadian Championship must at minimum have a Provincial Race License. Note we are expanding Masters Age Categories by 5 Year Increments: 35-39 / 40-44 / 45-49 / 50-54 / 55-59 / 60

For the Open Non Championship categories (Impulso, Intermedio, Esperto), a race license is not required but it is encouraged. For more information visit here.

Technical Guide v2
Read/Download the Burnt Bridge Classic Tech Guide
Important information about the race, rules, schedule, routes, and more.
Available in English / French
Download here.

Schedule of Events
Saturday June 13, 2026
10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Check in and race package pick-up

Sunday June 14, 2026
7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Check in and package pick-up
9:15 AM Greetings, Rider’s Briefing

9:30 AM Championship Elite Men
9:30 AM Championship U19 Men

9:35 AM Championship Elite Women
9:35 AM Championship U19 Women

9:40 AM Championship Master Men A/B
9:40 AM Championship Master Men C/D

9:45 AM Championship U17 Men/U17 Women
9:45 AM Championship Master Women A/B/C/D

9:50 AM Open Esperto Fondo (Non Championship)
9:50 AM Open Intermedio Fondo (Non Championship)
9:52 AM Open Impulso Fondo (Non Championship)

​11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Food Truck & Drinks
3:00 PM Awards Presentations

Registration, accommodations, directions to venue here.

Warm weather greeted participants at the new start/finish location in the City of Leduc, including a new route in Western Leduc County. Riders enjoyed four curated routes from 24km to 150km along the pristine gravel roads and by-ways of Leduc & Wetaskiwin Counties in the heart of Alberta.

The event was well-received by residents and businesses alike and this year the Festivus of Gravel supported the Prostate Cancer Centre raising $2K to date with more to come.

“We really appreciate everyone coming out and of course all of our event partners, volunteers, local bike shops, and all of our supporters. It’s exciting to see the event grow and luckily, we were one week before the monsoon hit us here,” commented co-organizer Alex Stieda of Tour de France yellow jersey fame.

Sponsors included the City of Leduc, Leduc County, Castelli Cycling, United Sport & Cycle, Cranky’s Bike Shop, Hardcore Bikes, Revolution Cycle, Radstyle Cycle, Mud Sweat and Gears, Vittoria Group, Skratch Labs, Shimano, Flexion Bike Fit, Best Cycling Great Escapes, Squirt Cycling Products Canada, Leduc Brewing, and Big Hand Craft Distilleries.

Results are available here.

The Baumier team rode from Montreal to Toronto as testimony to the new bicycle brand that’s “made in Canada” and combines long-distance performance, durability with responsible local manufacturing while pushing the boundaries of cycling.

The sleek looking B01 is designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely in the Marché Central district in Montreal, and reflects a philosophy “where performance and responsibility go hand in hand.” Every bike comes with a lifetime warranty and is built with repairability in mind, underscoring Baumier’s commitment to more ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.

According to Baumier the company developed its own proprietary manufacturing technology over eight years of engineering to meet these standards resulting in a high-performance process used in the composites industry: Resin Flow Composite (RFC). “This process enables an optimal balance of lightness, strength, and zero-waste production, while maintaining the highest performance standards. The B01 frame is constructed from carbon tubes produced using this technology, paired with 3D-printed titanium lugs, creating a structure that is both high-performing, durable, and repairable.”

Benjamin Grenon welcomed the crowd and gave a brief background of Baumier and the company’s desire to work with small, quality suppliers while striving to deliver products that embrace strong environmental and human values, including a love for the planet.

Baumier founder, Benjamin du Haÿs, who previously co-founded Mobeewave that developed secure contactless payment technology and was acquired by Apple, spoke about the technical aspects of the new Baumier B01. He noted the structural balance of combining carbon tubes with 3D-printed Grade 5 Titanium lugs while stressing the replacement and repairability aspects including the zero-waste production. “We work in collaboration with universities and research centres in Montreal to manage and minimize waste in the production process as part of our commitment to the environment.”

The Baumier B01 comes in three models the Hors-Catégorie (HC) with a Shimano XTR Dura-Ace Di2 or Sram Red XPLR drivetrain; the Lifetime (LT) with a Shimano GRX-827 Di2 drivetrain; and the Timeless (TL) featuring a Shimano GRX mechanical drivetrain.

All models feature the company’s quality wheelsets, RT40 HC or GT24 UL, made in Montreal as well. As du Haÿs explained, “We launched the wheels last year, knowing it would take much longer for the bikes, as we wanted to get things rolling and begin our journey, and now here we are.” Look for our Baumier wheelset test report coming soon.

Grenon added that Baumier was recently awarded BCorp certification, another big step for the brand. Then he introduced Lisa Tong, their Toronto Baumier ambassador for the presentation of her new Baumier B01 bike.

Tong is a former triathlete who loves cycling and quipped, “I’m excited to be part of the Baumier team, and will leave the technical aspects to others in the company. My love and focus is on riding and I hope to share our passion for cycling across the city. I also love the colour pink so I’m as excited as everyone to see my new bike.”

It was time for the unveiling with du Haÿs and Grenon doing the honours as Tong’s stunning new Baumier B01 Lifetime (LT) model, but with an upgraded SRAM Red groupset instead of the usual SRAM Force, was revealed including cool pink accents… along with plenty of smiles.

The evening concluded with delicious square pizza from renowned Descendant Detroit Style Pizza based in Toronto’s east end.

Baumier’s Ride to Launch campaign included stops in Montreal and Quebec City and for more information please visit here.