Now firmly established on the WorldTour calendar, the 'Grands Prix Cyclistes' are two one-day events in Canada, the first of which features a tough circuit around Quebec City.

Each year, many of the world's top cyclists make the trip across the Atlantic to take part in the highest-rated races to be held in North America.

The GP de Quebec takes place in the heart of the 'Vielle Capitale', with the city grinding to a halt to witness the world-class bike racing on offer.

The demanding circuit features a punishing climb up to the finish, meaning that only the riders in good late-season form will be able to fight it out for the victory.

Route

The race retains the 12.6km circuit from previous years, with the riders having to negotiate 16 laps in order to complete a race that is 201.6km in total length.

The course starts and finishes on the Grande-Alle Ouest and takes place mainly within the confines of the Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Battlefields Park), making it one of the most scenic routes of the year.

After turning off the Grande-Alle and into the park, the riders will not encounter much difficulty for the first three-quarters of the stage as a shallow descent is followed by a stretch of flat road along the Boulevard Champlain.

The real challenge lies within the last 3.6km of the course, which will see the riders tackle four climbs in quick succession before the finish. Although they are all very short ascents, the cumulative effect will take its toll over the 16 laps.

The first of the ascents - the Cote de la Montagne - is the steepest and averages 10% over 375m, with a stretch that ramps up to 13%. Then the riders will have to tackle the Cote de la Potasse, which is slightly longer but slightly shallower at an average gradient of 9%.

Another descent follows that before the very short blast up the Montee de la Fabrique, which leads onto the final climb. The Montee du Fort is the longest climb on the menu at 1km, but it is also the easiest in terms of average gradient, at just 4%.

The climb effectively serves as a long drag up to the finish line and could reward a late attacker, or see the sprint for victory be contested from a small group.

Tactics

Edvald Boasson Hagen heads into the race in good form having won the GP Ouest-France last month in fine style. The short ramps and gradual uphill finish should suit the Norwegian and he will again be looking to put in a strong performance. Boasson Hagen is supported by a strong squad including Michael Barry, who will be competing on home soil in Canada.

Team Sky history

Team Sky have been one of the most successful outfits in the race's short history, placing a man on the podium in each of the two editions so far. In 2010, Edvald Boasson Hagen won the sprint from the main group to claim second place and last year Rigoberto Urán crossed the line in third.