Montreal is once again in the spotlight, but not for the reasons city officials would have hoped. A patched pothole on a Mount-Royal road gained international attention last weekend after Dutch cyclist Pascal Eenkhoorn crashed during the Grand Prix Cycliste.
The race, which brings world-class riders to Montreal, was being broadcast internationally when Eenkhoorn struck the uneven patch and fell hard onto the asphalt. His crash ended his race instantly, and the footage of the incident has now spread far beyond Canada.
While the sight of a professional cyclist being taken down by poor road conditions may shock international viewers, Montrealers were less surprised.
“I saw it on television,” said local cyclist Mivil Deschenes. “I do a lot of biking around the city, so I was not surprised.”
Many residents say dodging potholes has become part of daily life. Whether driving, cycling, or walking, nearly every Montrealer has a story of bent rims, flat tires, or twisted ankles caused by the city’s worn-out streets.
Nicole Dunn, who was walking on Mount-Royal, added: “I constantly have to dodge them. The city is constantly under construction, so I am assuming they are trying to solve the problem.”
Montreal’s pothole problem is not new. Archival images dating back more than 50 years show city workers repairing damaged streets. Over the decades, potholes have caused countless car repairs, lost hubcaps, and even serious injuries.
Experts blame several factors:
Harsh freeze-thaw cycles in the winter
Heavy use of road salt for de-icing
The type of asphalt and road surface used
Poor long-term planning and maintenance
A report from the city’s auditor general earlier this year revealed a troubling fact: one in three Montreal roads is in bad or very bad condition.
The pothole that caused Eenkhoorn’s crash had actually been patched before the race, but the repair left a bump that proved just as dangerous for cyclists.
City spokesperson Philippe Sabourin confirmed that the roads had been prepared for the race and insisted that the surface was considered safe. He added that the city patched all potholes along the route for this weekend’s Montreal marathon, which will bring 32,000 runners onto the streets.
“We want this weekend to be a fiesta,” Sabourin said, while also reminding the public that activities like running and cycling on city streets carry inherent risks.
For many locals, the high-profile accident has become a symbol of the city’s long-standing struggles.
“It was like a cry for help,” joked Deschenes, who was biking nearby when the crash happened. “If somebody has a solution for us, we should listen.”
While the pothole has now been filled, many residents fear the patchwork approach will not solve the deeper issue. Unless significant investment and planning are put into rebuilding roads, Montreal risks further embarrassment and potential danger for residents and visitors alike.
As the city braces for more international visitors during major events, including marathons and festivals, questions remain about whether officials can finally tackle the pothole problem.
For now, Montrealers are left with a mix of frustration and humor, hoping that the pothole that made headlines worldwide might finally push leaders to take action.
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