Steve Cummings given 'free role' in GP Québec as he returns from injury
British road and time trial champion Steve Cummings makes his WorldTour return in the GP de Québec on Friday after fracturing spine in Tour de France
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) is set to make his WorldTour racing return at the Grand Prix de Québec on Friday, where he will be given a 'free role' by his team.
The British road and time trial national champion has endured an enforced lay-off from racing in August after discovering he had fractured two vertebrae as a result of crashing in the Tour de France in July.
>>> Steve Cummings turns up to local time trial and smashes it on his road bike
The injury meant that the 36-year-old could not defend his Tour of Britain title, and instead will contest the pair of Canadian WorldTour races this weekend – Friday's GP de Québec and Sunday's GP de Montréal.
Announcing Dimension Data's roster for the races, the sports director Oli Cookson commented on Cummings's role: "He’s a rider you can never underestimate but the other riders also know that by now. He will have a free role but we will have to wait and see how he feels after coming back."
Cummings had made a success of late attacks during races, utilising his time trial ability to solo to the line.
Although his 2017 season has been hampered by injury, last season he took four memorable stage wins in the Tour de France, Critérium du Dauphiné, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour of the Basque Country, as well as his overall win in the Tour of Britain.
>>> Steve Cummings reveals he fractured two vertebrae during Tour de France
Joining Cummings in Dimension Data's roster in Canada are Tyler Farrar, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Nathan Haas, Kristian Sbaragli, Jaco Venter, Ben O'Connor and Natnael Berhane.
They will face a list of starters that includes world champion Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).
"Both of these races are like World Championships races," said Cookson. "They wear you down and there is only so much you can plan. It all comes down to who has got the legs at the end.
"Last year, we proved that we can get close to the podium with Nathan and that’s going to be the general objective again this year. We have great riders like Kristian and Reinie who can be there in the final to help Nathan."
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Canyon goes titanium: German bike company begins prototype work with new metal
Brand working with new partner to develop sustainable ways of producing future titanium components, including frames
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Philippe Gilbert says Julian Alaphilippe could benefit from fresh start at new team
Former Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner says Alaphilippe may enjoy new challenge away from Patrick Lefevere's Soudal Quick-Step team
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Global backers in talks over new British WorldTour team
Former management of Ribble Weldtite courting interest in new project
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Current WorldTour system is killing all the smaller teams,’ says Reinardt Janse van Rensburg
South African ex-Lotto Soudal rider fears more teams could find themselves in B & B Hotels-KTM situation if the system doesn’t change
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
As Cristiano Ronaldo puts the boot in, Jumbo-Visma talk to Manchester United about tactics and managing egos
The Dutch team’s senior sports director has spoken to Manchester United’s manager for sporting advice
By Owen Rogers • Last updated
-
'It's a really absurd way of racing' - EF boss Jonathan Vaughters on WorldTour relegation scrap
EF Education-EasyPost manager says he hated racing for UCI points
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Trek-Segafredo win the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta team time trial
Elisa Longo Borghini led the American squad home and will take the leader's red jersey into the remaining four stages
By Owen Rogers • Last updated
-
Seven woman teams a possibility at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes
Race Director Marion Rousse confirms the organisers ASO are considering other changes for 2023, including the possibility of a time trial
By Owen Rogers • Published
-
“I feel my legs a bit less when I hear the crowd,” riders react to the Tour de France crowds
Huge crowds, excellent organisation, a good route and plenty of press attention, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is a huge step for the women’s sport
By Owen Rogers • Published
-
Gear check: What gear ratios did riders choose to conquer the Grand Ballon?
Before Saturday's seventh stage in the Vosges Mountains Cycling Wweekly took a look at the preferred fear ratios in the Tour de France Femmes peloton
By Owen Rogers • Published