The highlight of the Road Cycling World Championships in Montréal is just around the corner: In the women’s elite race The world’s best female cyclists will be battling it out for the coveted rainbow jersey. A top-class race is set to unfold on the challenging roads of the Canadian metropolis, as the course combines climbing prowess with tactical skill. Following an intense week of World Championships, the road race offers the final and most important opportunity to claim gold and write a new chapter in cycling history.
The circuit in Montréal
On Saturday 26 September 2026, the riders can look forward to a 180.4-kilometre race with a total elevation gain of 2,570 metres. The race will start in the suburb of Brossard, south of the St Lawrence River, before the peloton heads towards Montreal city centre. The finish line is at Parc Jeanne-Mance at the foot of Mont Royal, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
With more than 2,500 metres of elevation gain, the World Championships course is truly demanding. The numerous climbs and the undulating route over the eight laps in Montréal will test the riders for almost five hours of racing. In the final stages in particular, the strong climbers specialising in classics and the explosive punchers are likely to look for their chance, if they are still in contention. The course is tough enough to significantly thin out the field, whilst at the same time allowing for a variety of race scenarios. This sets the stage for a worthy battle for the rainbow jersey.
The favourites for the World Championships in Montréal
Magdeleine Vallieres, the defending champion, is taking part will be competing in her own country, of all places. The Canadian will be motivated right down to her fingertips in front of her home crowd and can count on the support of thousands of fans lining the route. The challenging course in Montréal generally suits her well. Nevertheless, she is not among the top favourites, as the competition is exceptionally strong this year.
Demi Vollering is likely to be the clear favourite once again. In 2026, the Dutch rider proved once more that she is currently the one to beat on tough courses. Hardly any other rider combines climbing prowess, racing intelligence and determination quite like Vollering. If the race is decided on the climbs, she is likely to be the first rider her rivals will need to keep an eye on.
Elisa Longo Borghini is a close second. The Italian has frequently been hot on Vollering’s heels this season and is, of course, among the top favourites on a demanding World Championship course such as Montréal. The same applies to Kasia Niewiadoma, who, with her aggressive riding style and strength on short, explosive climbs, is capable of launching the decisive attack at any moment.
Marlen Reusser also has what it takes to achieve a great result at the World Championships. The Swiss rider is one of the most consistent performers in the field and is capable of delivering outstanding performances on selective courses. However, in the final she might lack that final burst of pace needed to hold her own against the most explosive riders or to go along with the decisive attack.
The Female Puncheurs
Kim Le Court Pienaar has precisely this kind of punch. The champion from Mauritius combines climbing prowess with a powerful sprint and is therefore one of the most dangerous riders in the peloton. If she can tackle the toughest climbs alongside the best climbers, she is likely to be very hard to beat in a small group. Interestingly, the colours of the rainbow stripes wouldn’t be all that different from her Mauritian national champion’s jersey.
Lotte Kopecky and Paula Blasi are two further riders on the list of medal contenders. Both possess the necessary explosiveness for the decisive moments of the race and also have a strong sprint. The big question will be whether they can keep up with the attacks from the proven climbing specialists on the final, gruelling climbs. If they manage to do so, their chances of winning the World Championship title are excellent.
Germany’s ace up its sleeve
From a German perspective, hopes rest primarily on Antonia Niedermaier. The young German already impressed last year on a gruelling World Championship course and could also benefit from her underdog status in Montréal. Niedermaier is the sort of rider who, whilst not necessarily stronger than the top favourites on the climbs, is often not perceived by them as the most immediate threat. This is precisely where an opportunity could arise: if the favourites hesitate or keep an eye on one another, Niedermaier could be given the space she needs to spring a surprise in the battle for the medals.
That would be something: a German world champion. Either way, Saturday’s race is set to be incredibly exciting and will also show who has managed to stay in good form at this late stage of the season.
Leon Weidner
Editor