The race was one of the only two events which are part of the World Tour calendar in North America, the other one being the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec contested two days prior.

The race was won by Norwegian Lars Petter Nordhaug (Team Sky), who broke away from the lead group and attacked twice inside the final 5 kilometres (3.1 mi).

The trio cruised to a five-minute advantage, while Simone Ponzi of Astana and Kristijan Koren of Liquigas–Cannondale made an attempt to join them, and their acceleration caused a few riders to drop from the peloton.

[1] Before Koren and Ponzi could scheme something, they were brought back with 45 kilometres (28 mi) to race, as the leading group became a duet since Boaro was dropped.

[4] On the Côte Camilien-Houde, Team Europcar's David Veilleux attacked, while Janez Brajkovič (Astana) and Gerald Ciolek (Omega Pharma–Quick-Step) collided and crashed during the climb.