‘Unique experience’: Montreal cyclists will get the chance to ride world championship circuit
Posted April 15, 2026 2:38 pm.
Last Updated April 15, 2026 6:09 pm.
Montreal cyclists looking for a chance to feel like a professional – at least for one day – should circle Sept. 19 on their calendars.
The Rando Vélo Beneva will give 6,000 cyclists the opportunity to ride on a fully closed street circuit mirroring the course that will later be used by the world’s top cyclists.
The event is a lead-in to the UCI Road World Championships – from Sept. 20-27 – a 13-race international sporting event featuring 1,000 athletes from 80 countries.
“You will be able to go across the finish arch, at the same arch as the world championship, and just after the finish line it will be a big party and the inauguration of the world championships,” said Joseph Limare, the executive director of the Montréal 2026 UCI Road World Championships,
Registration is now open to riders of all ages and skill levels.
“We want to create an accessible and unifying event that inspires everyone to get involved – whether with family, friends, or by taking on a personal challenge,” said Sébastien Arsenault, president of the main event’s organizing committee. “Riding on the same courses as the world’s elite, in a festive and safe environment, and then taking part in the opening ceremony is truly a unique experience.”
Four routes will be available: 10 and 20 kilometres (for families and beginner cyclists), 40 kilometres (elite individual time trial course) and 70 kilometres (for those looking to push themselves).
“Cycling as a family is about creating meaningful memories while staying active. La Rando Vélo Beneva is the perfect opportunity to share that joy, regardless of age or level. I can’t wait to experience it with my family and thousands of cyclists this September,” said Geneviève Tardif, the ambassador for Rando Vélo.
Participating cyclists will be able to attend the official opening ceremony of the road bicycle racing world championship.
“For a city like Montreal to be able to welcome this kind of event, it’s not a world championship in a stadium, in an arena, it’s on the roads, on the roads of the city,” said Limare. “So we must have everybody, the SPVM, the Service d’Incendie, the Ville de Montréal, the Société des Transports de Montréal, work together in order to make everything OK for the races, but also for the population, for the businesses, for everybody.”
