Vallieres ready to defend her world title in Canada

Racing in the UCI Road World Championships in front of your home crowd is already a rare privilege for any rider. But when this privilege is combined with the number 1 sewn onto your back, the experience takes on a whole new dimension. This is exactly what Magdeleine Vallieres will experience in Montreal , ready to defend her rainbow jersey in Canada .

"Being able to compete in the World Championships on home soil is already a dream, but defending the title is even more so," the world champion declared at a press conference, as anticipation grows for the event scheduled for September 20-27. "I've been thinking about it ever since the announcement came. In fact, I was thinking about it even before the World Championships themselves."

Vallieres 's story is one of a meteoric rise: in Kigali last year, she gave Canada its first elite road race world title, transforming herself from an outsider to the absolute protagonist of the peloton, under the spotlight wearing the rainbow jersey. A success that came at the perfect time, instantly catapulting her to the forefront of women's cycling—and in fantasy cycling, a name to keep an eye on in the most challenging classics.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime event: defending the title on home soil," Vallieres explained, looking ahead to the World Championships' return to Canada for the first time since 2003. "I'm trying to experience it as a positive energy rather than pressure, to let myself be carried away by the events and give it my all. That's my goal."

"Right now, I definitely feel more euphoric than pressure. I feel incredibly lucky. Winning last year wasn't just luck; it was a lot of work. I already feel very lucky to have worn the rainbow jersey for a whole year, so being able to defend it right here on home soil is already something huge."

The Montreal route could be a perfect fit for the 25-year-old Canadian, who triumphed on rugged, jagged terrain in 2025. The 2026 route offers a similar, if not even more challenging, scenario: 180 km with 2,502 meters of elevation gain, with the Camillien-Houde climb to be tackled eight times along the 13.4 km final circuit. A detail for fantasy cyclists to be aware of: repeated short, challenging climbs are fertile ground for riders with engines that can withstand repeated fatigue, just like Vallieres.

"The climb isn't very long; it's a lot of quick sprints. Usually, as fatigue builds, I feel it less than the others, so that could be a factor in my favor," explained the Canadian champion.

"It always depends on how the race is interpreted, the risks taken, and the entire tactical context. We'll make sure the Canadian team runs in a way that works in our favor."

While the course is similar to last year's, the circumstances have changed significantly. The current world champion will no longer be able to count on the surprise effect that made her a star in Kigali.

"The strategy will definitely be different. Last year I came in as an outsider, this year I'll be watched much more closely," admitted Vallieres, aware of the changed perspective for those who will follow her in Fantacycling.

"I'll still have to look for the right opportunities, a bit like I did last year. They definitely won't let me go as easily. Last year was a strong move, with some strong riders in my group. I'm hoping for something similar, perhaps a move from afar. And if that doesn't work out, my goal is still to be aggressive: I want to give myself the best chance to defend the title."

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency