This week, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championships hits roads throughout Montreal. Though the championship is built for professionals, the city is celebrating in a way that treats biking as not only a sport for the Lycra-clad, but a means of transportation for many Montrealers to get around.
To mark the occasion, the SDC Saint-Denis is transforming the street into a hub for cycling events for eleven days. From September 17 to 27, the neighbourhood will see parties, pop-ups, group rides, and workshops woven into a part of town where cycling thrives.
The culture runs deep along Saint-Denis: As home to the REV, one of North America’s busiest bike paths, it’s a natural anchor for the celebration. Since the REV was implemented, Saint-Denis has become a street where cycling and business go hand-in-hand, drawing a growing wave of shop owners who cater to cyclists of all stripes.
Local merchants and cycling brands have collaborated to build a lineup with events for all manner of dedicated racers, recreational riders, curious newcomers, and families bringing the kids out to decorate their bikes.
PARTIES, DRINKS, & SCREENINGS
Le Braquet x Le Bicar Worlds 2026 Launch Party
September 17 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate the start of the UCI World Championship and the launch of a collaboration between cycling apparel brand Le Braquet and visual artist Le Bicar with a party at Le Club. Enjoy a first look at the new collection, a DJ set, no900 pizza, and beer from Siboire for the first 100 guests. Entry is free; you can RSVP here.
UCI Championships Screenings
September 20 to 27 from noon to 11:30 p.m.
Watch coverage, drink beer, and eat pub food while the best cyclists compete for the championship, with races on the big screen spanning Women’s Elite and Men’s Elite to Mixed Relay and Juniors. Check out the race programming here to time your arrival at the Belgian-style bar.
Apéro Skratch Labs
September 24 at 6 p.m.
Skratch Labs, an American sports nutrition company that makes drink mixes, hydration products, and more from real food hosts an after-work apéro at Boutique Courir, a 3-floor sports goods store for running, walking, cross-country skiing, triathlon, and cycling.
World Champions in Montreal
September 25 at 7 p.m.
Artist and former racer Lucas Lajoie hosts the world champions in town at Le Club, presented by Quoc, a cycling footwear brand, and Enve, a bike company. Conversation begins at 7:30 p.m.
EXHIBITIONS & POP UPS
Draft Art Exhibition
September 22 to 26
Le Bicar and Lucas Lajoie present their cycling-themed works in an exhibition at Livart, with an opening vernissage on September 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Le Bicar (David Bicari) is a “heavyweight” artist by his own description who creates contrasted, minimalist works across canvas, sculpture, mural, and more. Lucas Lajoie is a contemporary artist and former semi-professional cyclist whose artistic process is informed by movement and his relationship with sports.
Contre la montre Exhibition
September 22 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Distilled Statements, a Montreal-based online boutique offering a curated collection of vintage t-shirts, will hold an exhibition of vintage t-shirts at Le Club.
Rapha Pop-up
September 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rapha, the English cycling clothing and accessories company, will host a pop-up at Le Club, selling cycling apparel and gear for the day. It's the first retail partnership of its kind in Quebec.
Vélo Quebec Pop-up
September 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍Pâtisserie Zébulon Terrasse
At this vegan bakery, Vélo Quebec will pop up to discuss cyclotourism in Quebec. Visitors can find resources for planning bike trips, explore route ideas, and learn about tools provided by Vélo Quebec. The non-profit promotes cycling as a mode of transportation, recreation, and tourism, in addition to managing the province’s route verte.
Bike Repair Kiosk
September 26 and 27
Stop by to get a tune-up from bike repair shop Courier Caverne and do some shopping inside second-hand and vintage store Marché Floh while you’re waiting.
RIDES & RUNS
Cannondale Worlds Week Shakeout & Social
September 18 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to Le Club at 4:30 p.m. for the start of the 40 km social shakeout ride through the city, and and stay with the group for a happy hour after. The group will heed a easy-going pace throughout the ride, and participants can enjoy smash burgers from Bāgā, drinks, and a Cannondale bike exhibition from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Le Club. RSVP here.
Running Outing
September 24 at 8 a.m.
Tie up your running shoes, grab your water, and make your way to Boutique Courir, the start of a running outing hosted by On, a running shoe and apparel brand, with bagels at the finish line.
Morning Ride and Screening of the Women's Elite Race
September 26 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Join contemporary cycling apparel brand PAS NORMAL STUDIOS for an early morning ride, starting at Le Club, and a screening of the Women’s Elite race back at Le Club.
LECTURES, PANELS, AND WORKSHOPS
Cyclist-Author Panel
September 19 at 2 p.m.
Hear Montreal-based cyclist-authors Simon Lord and Laura Pedebas speak about their books and answer questions. Lord is the author of Petite histoire du vélo à Montréal, while Pedebas penned Oser le voyage à velo. The panel will begin at 2 p.m., with a Q&A and signing at 3:15 p.m.
Bicycle Travelogue Lecture Series
September 20, 21, 25, and 26 at 7 p.m.
Attend one or all of four lectures taking place at Cyclo Flex. Hear firsthand experiences from cyclists who have travelled from Yukon to Los Angeles (September 20), across the Australian Coast (September 21) and the UK (September 25), and about travelling long distances with a folding bike (September 26). Reserve your spots here.
Sign-making Workshop
September 20, 21, 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 Boutique TELUS Saint-Denis
Cheer on your favourite cyclist with a homemade sign of encouragement, crafted with markers, posters, and paint provided at the TELUS sign-making workshop. A great family-friendly activity.
Kid’s Bike-Decorating Workshop
September 19, 20, 21, 26, and 27
📍SDC Saint-Denis Office (3813a Saint-Denis)
Bring the kids, grab their bikes, and get creative at this bike decorating workshop with streamers, spokes, and stickers. Leave with a bicycle refreshed that will get them excited to take on the cycling paths.
Cyclofeminism Lecture
September 25
Learn all about the centuries-long love affair between bicycles and feminism from freelance journalist Gabrielle Anctil at board game pub Colonel Moutarde.
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