Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar broke early but ended seventh in the GP Quebec, his first race since completing the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia double. 

Pogacar settled to watch his friend and rival, Jayco rider Michael Matthews win at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec on Friday. Matthews dedicated his win to his recently passed away grandmother, after edging Biniam Girmay in a last sprint as Tadej Pogacar faded.

Pogacar's Early Attack And Reflections

Pogacar tried to drop his rivals on the hill in the final lap but was reeled in by defending champion Arnaud de Lie, whose efforts appeared to blow his own chances in the sprint.

"I made the wrong decision, but the legs were good and I can't wait for Sunday," Pogacar said of the second Canadian classic in the city of Montreal on Sunday, which features a more hilly route.

"I'm ready for the world championships," he added, referring to the September 29 race in Switzerland.

"I thought I could stay away with the three guys, but it was really fun and I enjoyed it," said Pogacar, who skipped the Olympics.

Matthews Dedicates Win

A chasing elite group engulfed Pogacar, De Lie, and Julian Alaphilippe with around 1km to go, with Matthews cruising ahead from 150 meters for the win.

"My grandmother passed away on Wednesday and I dedicate this to her," said Matthews. "I knew I had the power to do a 20 or 30-second sprint, so I went early."

"Tadej is the No.1 in the world. I'm a fan also, the fans love him, but I'm here to do my job and win the race," Matthews added.

Girmay And The Fast Pace

Eritrean rider Girmay said he struggled toward the end of the race after a fast pace.

"My legs were hurting at the end, especially with the pace Tadej set over the last two laps."

The race, contested over sixteen laps of 12.6km around the city of Quebec, was held in perfect racing weather for the 13th edition of the event.

A second Canadian race in the city of Montreal takes place on Sunday with a more hilly route.