2026 World Time Trial Championships: Route and Favorites

The first men's event of the World Championships will start on Sunday at 6:45 PM Italian time in Canada, with the individual time trial in Montreal.

The 39.2km route will be completely flat, except for the final 400 meters leading to the finish line, which will have an average gradient of 6.1%. This steep climb, if we can call it that, won't make much of a difference and won't tip the odds towards the riders who are strong on climbs.

The track, in fact, lends itself perfectly to the great specialists . But be careful with the curves : in addition to the long straights, there will also be many technical bends that could cost precious seconds to the worst riders.

The big favorite is Remco Evenepoel, who will want to continue his streak of world championship victories in his specialty. The only man who might be able to beat him is Filippo Ganna , who, however, will have to put in the performance of his life to threaten his Belgian rival.

Stephan Kung, on the other hand, is the rider most likely to climb onto the third step of the podium.

Behind them are two names who could also do well in the road race: Czech Vacek and American McNulty . Other riders who could aspire to a top ten finish include Foss, Hoole, Hayter, Thornley, and Soderqvist.

Finally, the spotlight is on two potential protagonists of the September 27th race: Paul Seixas and Isaac Del Toro . The Frenchman could aim to finish in the top ten, while the Mexican's concrete goal will be to train for the road race.