This is the information you need, from Canadian riders, before the world championships.Just ahead of the road cycling world championships in Montreal, four elite Canadian riders on the men’s squad spoke about what they’d face. All of them discussed what home-road advantage could mean.Derek Gee-West says he had images of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal shaping his perception of the world championships, but as the days draw nearer to worlds, Gee-West is appreciating just how big the weeklong event is going to be.Pier-André Côté is looking to balance the focus required for racing against the best in the world and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with worlds in his home province.Nickolas Zukowsky thinks it’s a different style of rider who can win the world championship road race compared with the type who wins the Montreal GP.Michael Leonard knows the style of racing will be different from WorldTour events as second-tier riders step into leadership positions for their national teams.Rider videos by Nick Iwanyshyn. https://nickiwanyshyn.format.com/This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.]Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts.CHAPTERS7:47 Derek Gee-West: Team Canada leadership and the scope of the world championships12:36: Pier-André Côté: Balancing the business of racing with a special opportunity 16:47 Nickolas Zukowsky: Hard to say who can win the worlds, which makes the racing exciting21:59 Michael Leonard: ‘The best riders don’t necessarily have the best teams’

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