Canadian<\/a> road nationals history on Friday, taking both the elite and under-23 men\u2019s road race titles after a cagey finale in Saint-Georges, Que.<\/p>\nGame on<\/h2>\n
The 185-km race exploded early as a select group featuring Derek Gee-West (Lidl-Trek), Hugo Houle (Alpecin-Premier Tech) Mike Woods (Ventum), Pier-Andr\u00e9 C\u00f4t\u00e9 (NSN) and Riley Pickrell (Modern Adventure Factor Pro Cycling) animated the race.<\/p>\n
On the final lap, Woods launched another searing attack, whittling the lead group down to a handful of riders. With the WorldTour stars closely marking one another, several under-23 riders were able to stay in contention.<\/p>\n
Gauthier timed his sprint perfectly to take the biggest win of his career. Luke Valenti (Club Ciclista Padron\u00e9s \u2013 Cortizo) finished second, while L\u00e9o Roy (Team Vittel N\u2019side), who has impressed while racing in France this season, rounded out the podium. Both Valenti and Roy are making waves in Europe, so it\u2019s no surprise they\u2019d be in the mix in a tough, rainy and attritious race.<\/p>\n
On the nationals<\/h2>\n
\u201cIt feels awesome,\u201d Gauthier said to Canadian Cycling Magazine<\/em>. \u201cTo be national champion in both the elite and under-23 categories is crazy. I still don\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\nWhile his primary objective was the under-23 title, Gauthier believed the revised course could also give him a chance against the elite riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal coming into the race was definitely the u23 jersey, but with the course change I thought I could have a good ride in the elite race too. I had that in the back of my mind. I just tried to be there when it mattered.\u201d<\/p>\n
That proved easier said than done.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was suffering, especially on the last climb, but I came back. I think I was on the limit for more than four hours. Some riders started to fade near the end, but I was still feeling the same as I did at the start.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tactical battle between the favourites also played into his hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the WorldTour guys, like Derek Gee-West, Mike Woods and Hugo Houle, were watching each other. They were racing each other a little bit, so we didn\u2019t have to do much behind. That definitely worked to my advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gauthier admitted he isn\u2019t sure what comes next, but hopes the performance opens new doors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see what this brings. Hopefully some teams reach out or something like that. For now, I\u2019ll just enjoy it, race the crit tomorrow and then start thinking about the road worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n
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