Kigali, Rwanda – September 27, 2025 – In a breathtaking upset, Magdeleine Vallieres of Canada has been crowned the elite women’s road race champion at the UCI Cycling World Championships. The 24-year-old cyclist overcame challenging course conditions and a field of seasoned champions to claim a historic victory for Canada.

Vallieres entered the race as a longshot contender, wiht the notoriously difficult course in Kigali widely expected to favor established stars like Pauline Ferrand-Prévot of France, Demi Vollering of the Netherlands, and Kasia Niewiadoma of Poland. Though, these favorites found themselves struggling amidst a complex tactical battle.

The race saw riders such as Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift winners Pauline Ferrand-prévot, Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma outmaneuvered, finishing over a minute and a half behind Vallieres. Time trial world champion Marlen Reusser of Switzerland, Kim Le Court of Mauritius, and Elisa Longo-Borghini of Italy also fell short of contention.

A tactical masterclass

Vallieres’ triumph was a testament to shrewd tactics and unwavering determination. She formed a crucial breakaway group alongside Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Mavi García of Spain, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

“The girls believed in me, so I believed in myself,” a visibly emotional Vallieres stated after the race.”I really committed to going for it. I prepared well,I knew I was on good form. I told myself I didn’t want to have any regrets, and I don’t.”

The Canadian rider, a climbing specialist with the EF Education-Oatly pro team, capitalized on a strategic moment on the final climb, surging ahead of her competitors to secure the gold medal. Prior to Saturday’s victory, Vallieres had only one professional win to her name – the 2024 Trofeo Palma Femina – demonstrating her remarkable growth and potential.

Teammate Support Fuels Victory

A key component of Vallieres’ success was the unwavering support of her teammate, Alison Jackson. Jackson, the 2023 Paris-Roubaix winner, strategically positioned herself within the race to assist Vallieres, ultimately withdrawing to ensure a prime vantage point at the finish line.

Magdeleine Vallieres and Alison Jackson celebrate victory
Alison Jackson celebrates with Magdeleine Vallieres after her historic win. (Photo: Dario Belingheri/Getty images)

“I am so proud of her. Megs is a gem of a person,” Jackson exclaimed. “I have always been a teammate, but when she came, she said she was ‘going all in.’

Jackson believes her own unexpected win at the 2023 Paris-Roubaix may have inspired confidence within the Canadian team. “I think you have to see it to believe it,” she explained. “When I won Roubaix, I saw the Canadian riders afterwards… I saw something change in their eyes, like ‘I can do it too.’

Looking Ahead to Montréal 2026

Vallieres’ victory is notably significant as it comes ahead of the 2026 UCI World Championships, which will be hosted in Montréal, Canada. This win is expected to generate considerable excitement and interest in the sport within the country.

“It is great to do it here,” Vallieres commented. “With the worlds next year in Montréal, it is indeed perfect.”

The final push saw Vallieres competing with García and Fisher-Black, ultimately launching her winning move on the Côte de Kimihurura, leaving her rivals behind.
“I knew I probably wouldn’t win in a sprint against Niamh as she is so strong,” Vallieres admitted. “We where both really committed to this break, working really hard. Then I saw she was fading a little bit, so I told myself I just had to go all in now and try something.”

Vallieres’ victory resonates not only as a personal achievement but as a pivotal moment for Canadian cycling, inspiring a new generation of athletes.