World-renowned athletes including Tadej Pogacar and Wout van Aert were storming the Old Capital, and it was Cosnefroy who took advantage in the final moments of the race.
The AG2R Citroën team cyclist attacked with two kilometers to go, as the peloton had caught up with leader Michael Storer. The Australian himself had taken the lead on the final 12km lap.
With a smoking performance in the last Tour de France, Hugo Houle could hope for a good result. The 31-year-old cyclist who won one stage of the Grande Boucle, in addition to finishing third in another, was however forced to retire with around 35 km to complete. The great Peter Sagan also threw in the towel at the same time.
The cycling delegation will travel to Montreal for a second race on Quebec soil on Sunday.
The Quebec Cycling Grand Prix was presented on TVA Sports and TVA Sports Direct.