In pictures: WorldTour stars go head-to-head at the GP Québec and Montréal

In what has become one of the highlights of autumn, many of the world’s best cyclists made their way to Canada’s French-speaking province for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal. Since 2010, these two WorldTour events have continually attracted stellar fields, and this year was no exception. Rising star Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny) continued to prove his upward trajectory as the 21-year-old Belgian stormed to victory in the Québec race.

Meanwhile, in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) added another victory to his already superb season. 

Rouleur photojournalist James Startt attended both of this year's races in Canada, capturing the battles for the prestigious titles. 

After arriving this past Tuesday, many of the teams did what has become the traditional loop around Ile d’Oréans, an island just outside of Québec City on the Saint Lawrence River.

Meanwhile the AG2R Citroën Team did a loop around and up and down the Saint Lawrence River, returning by the ferry that links the two sides.

A Canadian national team rider prepares for what is surely one of his biggest races to date. After all, it is not every day that a national team is invited to a WorldTour race.

The riders pass under the majestic Château Frontenac on the opening lap of the GP Québec.

The peloton climbs up through the old town of Québec.

The early breakaway attacks one of the technical downhills on the circuit.

All roads, it seems, lead to the Château Frontenac.

The peloton races up the Grande Allée in the heart of Québec.

Defending champion Benoît Cosnefroy (AG2R Citroën Team) tries his hand early, attacking on the penultimate climb about three kilometres from the finish in Québec. But this year, it did not bring the same result. 

With the pack charging towards the finish, up-and-coming Belgian sensation Arnaud De Lie simply powered away from the rest of the field for his biggest win to date. Only 21, he has won nearly 20 races in the two years since he turned professional.

Corbin Strong (Israel-Premier Tech), Arnaud De Lie and Michael Matthews (Jayco Alula) wait to climb onto the podium after the Québec race.

Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal–Quick-Step) prepares for a wet start before the GP Montréal.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of these fans. The peloton rolls past the finish line midway through the race.

Florian Vermeersch (Lotto Dstny) put in an impressive ride, spending more than half the day alone off the front.

Vermeersch’s break may have had little chance of succeeding, but it sure did please the fans in downtown Montréal.

Arnaud De Lie, winner of the Québec race, tried to surprise his opponents with a solo attack with less than three laps to go.

The pack powers past the one-kilometre sign with several laps remaining.

Michael Matthews, a previous winner here, attempted a solo move going into the final lap.

But the day belonged to Pavel Sivakov (Ineos Grenadiers) and Adam Yates, who powered away from the field in the final lap.

Adam Yates couldn’t have been happier with his impressive win in the GP Montréal, a victory that caps off one of his best ever seasons.

Adam Yates signs commemorative jerseys after the final podium appearance.