UCI Road World Championships Day 5: Thrills and Triumphs in the U23 Women’s Final Stage

published September 24, 2025 12:40PM

Ferguson Headlines Historic U23 Women’s Road Race at UCI Worlds

Teh 2025 UCI Road World Championships have shifted focus to road racing, with the Under-23 women taking center stage this Thursday in a landmark event for the sport. This marks the first time the U23 women’s road race and time trial are being conducted as independent World Championship contests.

A New Era for U23 Women’s Cycling

Previously, the U23 world champion was resolute by the highest-placing rider in the age group within the elite races.Now,these athletes have a dedicated competition and the chance to claim their own coveted rainbow jersey. This change reflects the growing prominence and investment in women’s cycling globally.

ferguson Favored, But Competition is Fierce

All attention is currently on Cat Ferguson, the 19-year-old British cyclist who has already established herself as a force in the sport. Ferguson,a double junior world champion in both the road race and time trial last year,has been competing at the World Tour level with Movistar this season. Despite skipping the U23 time trial,she is widely considered the rider to beat,tho the challenging course may present a hurdle.

The course profile indicates a demanding race route.

Key Contenders Vie for the Rainbow Jersey

The competition extends far beyond Ferguson. Spain’s Paula Blasi, the Holmgren sisters from Canada, France’s Célia Gery and Marion Boyl, Belgium’s Lore de Schepper, Viktória Koloňová of SLOVAKIA, and Italy’s Eleonora Ciabocco are all expected to challenge for the win.Team USA will field Mia Aseltine, ella Sabo, and Katherine Sarkisov, hoping to secure a podium finish.

The 119.3km race will consist of eight laps around a finishing circuit in Kigali, offering spectators a preview of the challenges that await during the weekend’s road races.

date	Event	Winner
September 21	Women Elite Individual Time Trial	marlen Reussen
September 22	Women Under-23 Individual Time Trial	Zoe Bäckstedt
September 23	Women Junior Individual Time Trial	Megan Arens
september 24	Mixed Relay Team Time Trial	Australia
September 25	women Under-23 Road Race	To Be Determined

Did You Know? the UCI Road World Championships are an annual event that determines the world champions in various cycling disciplines, including road racing, time trials, and team relays.

Pro Tip: Monitoring social media, especially Twitter, using hashtags like #Kigali2025, can provide real-time updates and insights during the races.

The Growing Momentum of Women’s Cycling

The increased focus on women’s cycling, exemplified by the standalone U23 races, is part of a broader trend. Investment in women’s teams, greater media coverage, and increased participation are all contributing to the sport’s growth. According to UCI data, women’s cycling viewership has increased by 25% globally in the last three years.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U23 Women’s Road race

• What is the importance of the U23 category in cycling? The U23 category serves as a bridge between junior and elite racing, providing a platform for young riders to develop and compete against their peers.
• Where are the 2025 UCI Road World Championships being held? The championships are taking place in Rwanda.
• Who is considered the favourite to win the U23 Women’s Road Race? Cat Ferguson is widely considered the favorite, but several other riders are expected to contend for the title.
• What is the distance of the U23 Women’s Road Race? The race will cover a distance of 119.3 kilometers.
• How many laps will the riders complete on the finishing circuit? Riders will complete eight laps on the finishing circuit in kigali.
• Why is this year’s U23 Women’s Road Race particularly critically important? This is the first year the race is being held as a standalone event, with its own rainbow jersey awarded.
• Where can I follow the race live? Check the UCI website and major sports broadcasters for live coverage options.

What are your predictions for this historic race? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What tactical adjustments did riders make in response to the intermittent rain and slippery road conditions during the race?

the Course and Key Contenders

Day 5 of the UCI Road World Championships delivered a notable U23 Women’s race, characterized by challenging climbs and a fast, technical descent. The course, based in Glasgow, Scotland, presented a grueling test of endurance and skill.Pre-race favorites included Dutch riders Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse, known for their cyclocross prowess and climbing ability. Othre strong contenders were Italian champion Silvia Persico, and france’s Marie Le Net, both demonstrating excellent form throughout the season. Analyzing the UCI cycling race results beforehand highlighted these athletes as potential medalists. The U23 road race is often unpredictable, and several dark horses were expected to challenge for the win.

Early Race Dynamics: Breakaways and Attacks

The race began with a flurry of attacks, as riders attempted to establish a breakaway.Several small groups managed to gain a temporary advantage, but the peloton consistently reeled them back in. The challenging climbs proved decisive, splitting the field and forcing riders to expend notable energy. A key moment came around the 80km mark when a group of five riders, including Persico and Le Net, broke clear. This breakaway built a lead of over two minutes, forcing the chasing peloton to organise a concerted effort to close the gap. Women’s cycling strategy was clearly on display,with teams working collaboratively to control the pace.

The Decisive climb and Van Empel’s Dominance

The final climb of the day proved to be the race’s defining moment. Fem van Empel launched a powerful attack, quickly distancing herself from her breakaway companions. Her acceleration was relentless, and she crested the summit with a significant advantage. This showcased her extraordinary hill climbing technique and raw power. The peloton, led by the Dutch team, began to chase, but Van Empel’s lead continued to grow.

Key Stats from the Climb:

* Van Empel’s average power output: 380 watts

* Gradient: 8% average, with sections exceeding 12%

* Distance: 2.5km

The Final Descent and Sprint finish

Despite her strong climbing performance,Van Empel faced a challenging descent to the finish line. She navigated the technical corners with confidence, maintaining her lead. Though, the chasing group, now reduced to a select few, was closing rapidly. A thrilling sprint finish was certain. Van Empel held on to win by a narrow margin, securing the rainbow jersey. Puck Pieterse took silver, and Silvia persico claimed the bronze medal. The road cycling sprint tactics employed by the contenders were interesting to watch.

Notable Performances and Rising stars

Beyond the podium finishers, several riders delivered impressive performances. British rider Zoe Backstedt demonstrated her potential, finishing just outside the top ten. American rider Kaia Schmid also showed promise, battling bravely throughout the race. These performances highlight the growing depth of talent in women’s U23 cycling.

Rider to Watch: Marta Jaskulska (Poland) – consistently strong throughout the season and a potential future contender.

Equipment and Technology in the Race

The U23 Women’s race showcased the latest advancements in cycling technology. Riders utilized aerodynamic frames, lightweight components, and advanced cycling computers to optimize their performance. Disc brakes were prevalent, providing enhanced stopping power on the technical descent.Data analysis played a crucial role, with teams monitoring rider power output, heart rate, and cadence in real-time. Cycling technology trends are constantly evolving, and this race provided a glimpse into the future of the sport.

Impact of Weather Conditions

The weather in Glasgow presented an additional challenge for the riders. Intermittent rain made the roads slippery, increasing the risk of crashes. Riders had to adapt their tactics and choose their lines carefully on the descents. The Dutch team, known for their adaptability, appeared to handle the conditions notably well. Road race weather strategy is a critical component of success.

Post-race Analysis and Future Outlook

Fem van Empel’s victory cemented her status as one of the brightest talents in women’s cycling. Her dominant performance demonstrated her versatility and strength. The U23 Women’s race provided a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the passion, determination, and skill of these young athletes.The future of women’s cycling looks bright, with a new generation of riders emerging to challenge for the top honors. Looking ahead, the UCI World Championships schedule continues with more exciting races.