Australian rider Michael Matthews has sprinted his way onto the podium once again at the one-day Canadian WorldTour race, GP de Québec, with a strong third place in a reduced group sprint to the line.
Today’s podium finish makes it the 32-year-old’s sixth trip to the podium in the event, following his back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019, plus another third-place finish in 2017 and two second places in 2022 and back in 2015.
After ensuring the day came down to a reduced drag to the line, Tour de France stage winner and fourth place finisher this season, Simon Yates, was seen on the front assisting his teammate, bring back a late attack with three kilometers to go from last year’s winner Cosnefroy, before De Lie had the final push in the closing metres to take the honors on the line.
Michael Matthews – 3rd place finish
“Yeah, another GP Québec done and it’s another podium finish. I think we were pretty close to the win but yeah, this time I just mistimed my sprint little bit was but in front a little bit early. I assumed a lot of the guys behind me, and Christoph LaPorte were pinned but yeah, they came with speed from behind.
I think for me and the team it’s a good podium. I think for me I needed it after the last races a lot of bad luck so yeah, another podium for the team in Canada and I have to say that the team rode really well, and I think we can be happy with this result today. Another chance on Sunday in Montreal.”
Mat Hayman – Sport Director
“Oh look of course we came here to win the race and Michael has won here twice before but at the same time, finishing on the podium again, I mean it just shows what kind of a record he has in this race. I think he’s only finished off the podium once I might need to check that but you know it’s a race that really suits him. He was well supported today the team rode really well, they’re able to cover the moves into the final support him right into the final and then I have to say hats off to De Lie, he was just too strong in that final sprint. We’re very much looking forward to taking this team, that all looked very good today, into Sunday’s race in Montreal.”
2023 GP de Québec results:
1. Arnaud De Lie 4:47:36
2. Corbin Strong ST
3. Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla) ST
