Race Across Québec Presented by Decathlon 2026: The Secrets of Our Routes!
For this third edition of the Race Across Québec presented by Decathlon, the entire team has been working tirelessly to offer you an experience that will stay with you forever—both in your legs and in your memories. In total, more than 3,800 km of roads and bike paths crisscrossing our beautiful province await you.
During June and July, our team surveyed the terrain to verify each course. Our goal? To maximize your safety without ever sacrificing that sense of adventure and pushing your limits—the very essence of the event.
What awaits you: A blend of “walls” and a truly unique experience.
Quebec may not have any Alpine mountain passes, but don't be fooled: our routes have plenty of character! We're proud to offer you a challenging elevation gain, with gradients peaking at over 20% that will sometimes leave you with a slight taste of blood in your mouth.
Nature Takes Center Stage
In addition to the elevation gain, several loops will take riders along those famous gravel sections for which Quebec is renowned.
The route: Roads and trails that are easy to ride on.
Equipment: No need for oversized tires.
The reward: A complete change of scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and an immediate escape from city life.
The Crown Jewels of Quebec Cycling
Each route has been designed as a journey through the province’s most beautiful challenges:
The legendary Tour de la Gaspésie (for the most daring).
The Fearsome Équerres of Quebec.
The majestic Mauricie Park.
The winding roads of Mont-Tremblant and the gravel roads ofthe Eastern Townships.
The picturesque villages of the Laurentians.
And to wrap things up, the ultimate mental and physical test: the grueling Trans-Terrebonne, a must-do for all routes.
A Closer Look at the Challenges by Distance: Something to Make Your Mouth Water
The 2,500 km & 1,000 km: The Queen's Epic
The Gaspé Peninsula
The 2,500-km race will start at the prestigious Bromont National Cycling Center. No warm-up: the first challenges of the Estrie region—from gravel roads to steep hills—will put your legs to the test right away.
The calm before the storm: Head to Mont Mégantic, then the Beauce and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions, before tackling the Gaspé Peninsula. Expect endless rolling hills and breathtaking coastal views.
The Quebec City Junction: After hundreds of kilometers of solo riding, the cyclists in the 2,500-km race will head toward the Château Frontenac and Quebec City’s Lower Town. That’s where the 1,000-km participants will join the group to tackle the famous Équerres de Québec together, before continuing along the Jacques-Cartier bike path.
The Mauricie Justice of the Peace: One of the standout highlights shared by both race distances. This course is renowned for its perfect pavement, its challenging elevation changes, and its sense of wild seclusion. An unforgettable experience.
The Final Sprint: While the 2,500-km race heads toward Terrebonne, the 1,000-km race will take on an extended version of the Laurentides loop. Winding through lakes and mountains, this year’s route will extend even further north to La Minerve, a wilderness paradise.
The 500 km, 300 km, and 200 km Races: The Essence of the Laurentians and Lanaudière
Laurentians
These three routes share a clear mission: to satisfy you by offering the very best (and most challenging) that the Laurentians and Lanaudière have to offer!
A Warning for Your Thighs: Although the route passes through several towns and convenience stores, you’ll often find yourself alone among the pine trees and streams. A few steeper sections, ranging from 12% to 24%, dot the route. Although short, they’ll require a little extra effort and may prompt some riders to walk briefly.
For the 500 km ride: You’ll have the privilege of riding through the Ouareau Park region, a true hidden gem of unspoiled nature.
For the 300 km and 500 km races: The beautiful Tremblant and Lake Superior region will take center stage.
The finish in Morin-Heights: Save your energy (and keep your pockets full of snacks) for this very demanding final stretch—or you’ll risk hitting the dreaded wall so close to the finish line!
The 200 km: The Nighttime Experience (The Gateway to Ultra Running)
Whether it’s a new event or a must-try classic, this “discovery” race offers a unique challenge: it will take place entirely at night! It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of ultra-cycling from a different perspective.
The atmosphere: You’ll ride along secluded roads, enveloped by the quiet of the night, with the region’s challenging climbs as your only companions.
Essential Gear: Even if the weather treats you to a beautifully starry sky, don't skimp on safety. You'll definitely need to bring powerful lights to cut through the darkness.
The safety net: Since this is the shortest route, we’ve thought of everything to ensure your safety and comfort. The route passes through the region’s largest towns, ensuring access to convenience stores and gas stations that stay open very late—and sometimes even all night. That way, you can recharge your batteries (and your GPS’s) with complete peace of mind!
The icing on the cake: The Trans-Terrebonne
No matter the distance, the finish line must be earned. You’ll all have the “privilege” of tackling the formidable Trans-Terrebonne as your welcome committee. Enjoy this final moment of solitude in the forest before the euphoria of the finish line!
