The Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce was created in 1986. The first edition, a provincial-level event, was held over two days. In 1987, former National Team member Jean Lessard was already dreaming of running an international event in the region. That year, the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce hosted the Quebec championships.
By deciding, in 1988, to host both a Canada Cup event and the Canadian championships - which was used to select the Seoul Olympic team - the Grand Prix had already taken up the challenge of becoming one of the most important events in the country.
The Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce continued to grow, and was designated as the selection event for the 1989 World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the women's Tour de France.
In 1990, the Grand Prix added a fifth stage, making the race even more challenging.
An even greater challenge was added in 1991: the stage finishing at the top of Mont Mégantic. This stage has added to the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce's reputation as one of the most difficult stage races in North America. During the same year, the organization requested an international sanction, in order to allow teams from around the world to take part. The sanction is awarded in time for 1992.
In 1993, 1994 and 1995, The Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce established itself as a regular event on the international calendar. During these years, the race formula and the courses are refined.
In the fall of 1996, at the International Cycling Union general (UCI) assembly in Lugano, the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce was awarded a 2.4 status. The highest ranking awarded to a stage race in the Americas, the Grand Prix became equal to such events as the Vuelta in Chile and the Classica RCN in Colombia.
The 2.4 status awards the competitors three times as many UCI ranking points that are used for World Championships qualifications as well as for other international events. In 1997, competing in the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce becomes, even more attractive to both Canadian and foreign cyclists.
The Grand Prix of 1998 and 1999 were more successful than ever. The number of teams jumped from 13 to 20, and the level of the riders continued to improve.
2000 was a crucial year for the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce. By investing even more money, both the public sector and private sponsors showed that the event was of prime importance to the Beauce region, to Quebec and to Canada. This investment allowed the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce organizers to hire full-time staff for the 2001 edition.
In June of 2001, 130 of the best cyclists in the world competed in the Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce, the most prestigious men's stage race in North America. They raced more than 1,000 difficult kilometres in eight days, in what is known as the most important men's elite event in the Canadian calendar.
In 2002 the goals were high. The Grand Prix cycliste de Beauce obtained the prestigious 2.3 status, which made it the most important stage race in America. The organization was successful in meeting the requirements, it was awarded the note of 94.33% by the ICU. The prestige and reputation of the Grand Prix are now well established. In December 2002, it won two prestigious awards: Event of the year at the Quebec Athlete's Gala and Organization of the year by the Canadian Cyclist Association.
The organization proudly satisfied that the 2003 and 2004 editions were a real success according to the official reports, the runners' comments and the excellent media coverage.
The committee is busy preparing the 20 th edition of the race in compliance with the new UCI reforms. The board of directors agreed to accept the new 2.2 category UCI designation, keeping this event an important part of the America Tour.