{"id":2164457,"date":"2026-09-25T09:35:07","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T06:35:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2164457"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:35:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T06:35:07","slug":"a-wide-open-face-off-between-evenepoel-del-toro-seixas-van-der-poel-and-more-for-the-rainbow-jersey-analysing-the-world-championships-elite-mens-road-race-contenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2164457","title":{"rendered":"A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hRfxbHFerxgo3Qb9eqk7Ec-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hRfxbHFerxgo3Qb9eqk7Ec-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Start times for Road World Championships elite men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s time trial\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LCf6uj6DW7eDMU7kSNtFjg-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LCf6uj6DW7eDMU7kSNtFjg-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Defending champion makes history at Road World Championships 2026 elite men&#8217;s individual time trial\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6CsumsDa97jomNaVhGcgMX-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6CsumsDa97jomNaVhGcgMX-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    &#8216;I don&#8217;t think that solo changes much&#8217; \u2013 Modest Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert unconcerned by jet lag as they head late to World Championships in Canada\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-25T09:35:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and a strong USA team also among top names for Sunday&#8217;s headline event in Montreal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Isaac del Toro, Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu van der Poel are among the big favourites for the elite men&#8217;s road race<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Simmons &amp; McNulty<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ciccone &amp; Pellizzari<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ben Healy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Outsiders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474\">As the UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada, near a close, it means the headline events of the elite road races are quickly approaching, with the men&#8217;s event on Sunday bringing only the best riders in the world together to fight for the title and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>All along, this race was expected to see Tadej Poga\u010dar win his third world title in a row after his dominant solo successes in Zurich and Kigali. However, after he crashed out of the rest of the season at the Vuelta, it has opened the door for the sport&#8217;s next best superstars.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Raced over 273.7km and taking in more than 3,800m of elevation gain across the 12 laps of the Mount Royal circuit and Camillien-Houde climb (2.3km at 6.2%), it should bring a true war of attrition, where only the strongest riders survive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As stated, we won&#8217;t have a repeat champion, but there isn&#8217;t an obvious answer to the question of who will be Poga\u010dar&#8217;s successor in 2026. Elite climbers, puncheurs and Classics specialists are all in the mix, with tactics and how national teams utilise their leading stars set to prove vital.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To get a better understanding of who could end up in the rainbow bands by the time the dust settles on Sunday evening, we&#8217;ve taken a closer look at the big names and how they stack up against each other for the big event \u2013 here are our favourites for the men&#8217;s elite road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8ce6-b8b7-11f1-a0fa-a556047c4acf\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel won the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa for a fourth time in August <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05dba-b8b2-11f1-9095-c5ec7b642aad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When it comes to completeness for the Montreal course, Belgium&#8217;s Remco Evenepoel is the obvious choice as the favourite, as one of the very best climbers, who also packs a serious punch, is more than capable in a sprint, and is the most dangerous solo attacker in the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With several potential routes to victory, Evenepoel will have a target on his back throughout Sunday&#8217;s race, knowing full well that he won&#8217;t be allowed to simply slip away into a move \u2013 in theory that is \u2013 especially after doing just that and going on to win his first road race world title back in 2022 in Wollongong.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big problem for his rivals, though, is that stopping him from doing exactly that is far easier said than done, as his aerodynamic advantage and incredible time trialling abilities \u2013 winning a fourth world title in a row last weekend \u2013 mean that even if they fail to match his initial acceleration, that could already prove too late to bring him back.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, Evenepoel has been pursuing GC titles and time trials throughout his career, but it should not be forgotten that he is an absolutely elite one-day racer, winning Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge twice, Amstel Gold Race, Clasica San Sebastian four times, the Worlds four years ago as already stated, and most recently the GP Quebec in the build-up to Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also second behind Poga\u010dar at Worlds, Europeans, and Il Lombardia last season, all of them solo, suggesting that he \u2013 in theory \u2013 should be too strong for everyone and will ride away, but it won&#8217;t be that easy. Those races mentioned had much harder courses than Montreal in terms of climbing, and with Poga\u010dar opening them up so early, Evenepoel earned those runner-up places through brute force \u2013 it&#8217;s the tactics where he could come unstuck.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trump card in favour of him and Belgium emerging on top, just as legendary compatriot Eddy Merckx did in Montreal in 1974, is that he has Wout van Aert for company as a co-leader, making up for a combination, which, yes, has gone wrong at Worlds in the past, at Leuven 2021, but has also been fruitful, in Wollongong and at the Paris Olympics in 2024.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-mexico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (Mexico)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8d86-b8b7-11f1-9424-ed52527942b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro celebrates victory at the GP de Montr\u00e9al earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05ebe-b8b2-11f1-a4ac-d578c9fe365f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whoever was going to win the 214km taster for Worlds at the GP de Montreal was always going to end up as a top favourite for the rainbow jersey, but the way Isaac del Toro raced has bumped him right up this list, showing great strength and composure to outduel Paul Seixas for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is at a disadvantage in that his Mexico team won&#8217;t have anywhere near the same strength in depth as those from the bigger Cycling nations, but his biggest advantage is himself, already established as one of the best riders in the world at just 22.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His improvement has been exponential, and there&#8217;s nothing to say he couldn&#8217;t end up as the World Champion in two days&#8217; time, with his elite climbing and powerful sprint putting him right up there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Impressively riding to seventh in Rwanda last year, Del Toro is a much stronger rider now, and it looks likely he will have the power to follow any big move that goes on Sunday; it&#8217;s just whether the numeric advantage of teams like Belgium and the USA ends up seeing him burn too many matches.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG may have lost an almost certain hope for the rainbow jersey with Poga\u010dar out, but in Del Toro, it&#8217;s likely that cycling&#8217;s top team could still end up with the World Champion among their ranks, but in their heir apparent instead of the current king.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8e1c-b8b7-11f1-af8d-418e4189556c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel warmed up for Worlds with a massive solo ride in Luxembourg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05fae-b8b2-11f1-a6c0-8147c0833510\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Count out Mathieu van der Poel at your own risk. A former road World Champion from Glasgow in 2023, the Dutchman is heading towards Montreal 2026 in stellar form, albeit on a course that shouldn&#8217;t particularly suit him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, laps of a circuit sounds akin to that from Scotland, but the climbing difficulty is majorly ramped up in Canada, making it likely that any scorching moves from an Evenepoel or Del Toro could prove too much for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Van der Poel&#8217;s tactical advantage as one of the best one-day riders in history places him right among the top favourites. Those top climbers could prove to be too closely matched, and any cagey action will allow Van der Poel to both catch back up and pounce, and once he knows victory is back on the table, there is probably no rider that can turn themself inside out as much as he can.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Early attacks and a true war of attrition will move the balance away from the Dutchman, but he was able to keep coming back over a course with more climbing packed in in Zurich to finish third, so counting him out seems foolish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And as much as he says his recent eye-watering 174km solo win in Luxembourg doesn&#8217;t change anything, it certainly told everyone that his modesty is also matched by some degree of confidence. But Sunday will be very different for Van der Poel, as it will be more about surviving to the latter laps and hoping he still has something left, though it&#8217;s not out of the question at all that he takes a second title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (France)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8eb2-b8b7-11f1-9123-9154b2e4801d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas soloing to the win at the Faun Ard\u00e8che Classic in February <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0610c-b8b2-11f1-8d15-d1cbb64b9935\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas turned 20 on Thursday, but as he&#8217;s proved throughout his second season as a pro, his age does not mean he can&#8217;t compete with the top riders in the world, and he&#8217;ll be looking to become the youngest-ever winner of the men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After an incredible season, where he&#8217;s scorched a path to the top by winning Itzulia Basque Country and La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, finishing second at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Strade Bianche, and finishing fourth overall on debut at the Tour de France, Seixas could well become World Champion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s shown strong shape in the build-up, too, finishing third in the Worlds time trial last weekend, but also taking second in the important form-marking GP de Montr\u00e9al, where he was among the strongest riders, but ultimately got overhauled by a more tactically astute and powerful Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a great French team behind him, including the likes of Pavel Sivakov, Bruno Armirail, and Valentin Paret-Peintre, but it&#8217;s the tactics where he could face problems. At times, he can be guilty of doing too much work in a group; it&#8217;s likely that Seixas has to be solo if he wants to win the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s improved at such an incredible rate, though, it wouldn&#8217;t be overly surprising to see him take the lessons from that defeat to Del Toro into action in the big event. What&#8217;s certain is that he will want the race to be as attritional as possible, so expect France to be on full attack for their young superstar.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Wout van Aert (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8f7a-b8b7-11f1-bcbe-550c833c82be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert revved up for Worlds with a successful Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d061fc-b8b2-11f1-8891-816b7464b713\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two years away from Worlds, Wout van Aert returns to take on the road race, and in some of the best form of his career, fresh off the back of a stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was back at his world-beating best to win two stages, the points jersey, and the supercombativity prize.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riding as co-leader alongside Evenepoel, the course isn&#8217;t as suited to him as the heavier Classics specialist, but Van Aert has long been a rider for all terrains, and was climbing more than well enough in Spain to suggest he can survive the brutal laps in Montreal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Twice a runner-up in the elite men&#8217;s road race, Van Aert has been close to the big prize before in 2020 and 2023, but he has something in 2026 that he didn&#8217;t have in those previous near-misses \u2013 he&#8217;s won Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps freed by that incredible, emotional win at cycling&#8217;s arguably biggest one-day race, if anything can unlock Van Aert and see him finally become road World Champion, the confidence he took from beating Poga\u010dar in the velodrome in April might be just that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another true versatile rider, Van Aert, like Evenepoel, can win from a small group sprint or solo, so he should make a dangerous combination with the 2022 champion. But they must work together to ensure they don&#8217;t cancel each other out, as keeping two star riders near the front for when the likes of Del Toro and Seixas are kicking off could prove essential.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-great-britain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9010-b8b7-11f1-be6d-29d6ec909626\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock is another versatile Classics rider on the startlist <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d062e2-b8b2-11f1-bf4b-a33319589950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Tom Pidcock, Great Britain have a great chance at taking their first elite men&#8217;s road race victory since Mark Cavendish back in 2011, with the punchy Yorkshireman more than well-suited to the Montreal course.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His previous best result was sixth in 2021, and he was 10th last year, but Pidcock has shown several times this season that his capabilities as a one-day racer are still on the rise: most notably by pushing Poga\u010dar to the absolute limit at Milan-San Remo, but also by winning Milano-Torino, and finishing fourth and sixth at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock is another top contender whose versatility makes him a dangerous prospect going into the final laps in Montreal, as he can get away on the uphill or downhill, and still beat you in a sprint even if he&#8217;s caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the likes of Adam Yates and Oscar Onley to support him, the British team should be represented in numbers when the race is inevitably blown to pieces by one of Belgium or France, and Pidcock will most likely be waiting in the wings to pounce, should he have the legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has the advantage from his multi-disciplinary racing of knowing very well how best to race on instinct without teammates, so the lack of race radios should be no problem for him too if things are really selective towards the finale.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-quinn-simmons-brandon-mcnulty-usa\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Quinn Simmons &amp; Brandon McNulty (USA)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e909c-b8b7-11f1-8ce6-390fdd361258\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quinn Simmons will be leading the USA in Canada <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d063dc-b8b2-11f1-899f-5ff87827ba73\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The USA men have a huge chance of winning the road race on Sunday, or as Kevin Vermaerke described it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>: &#8220;probably our best shot at a win since Lance Armstrong won in &#8217;93 [in Oslo]&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Without a real clear leader, the US have three elite riders who could threaten a solo victory in the final 50km: Quinn Simmons, former GP de Montr\u00e9al winner Brandon McNulty, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Simmons and McNulty especially were very active throughout the Grands Prix, both finishing in the top five of both races, but just missing that bit of punch to go with the big moves made by Evenepoel, Seixas and Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But they will know that going into Sunday, and will most definitely be trying to get one of their star names up the road, hoping to anticipate and benefit from the other top teams marking each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once the selections have been made in the 270km race, Simmons and McNulty should both be among the constant attackers trying to go solo, and if the rainbow jersey is still on the line at that point, it could well bring the US their first win in this event in 33 years.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-giulio-pellizzari-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone &amp; Giulio Pellizzari (Italy)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9132-b8b7-11f1-ab0f-1d452a8b0219\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone is at the helm of Italy <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d064cc-b8b2-11f1-b842-352f6f605af9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian team is another filled with options who could end up in a final selection on Sunday, but the standouts are Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the best one-day racer among them, finishing in the top 10 of the GP de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al in the build-up, but also taking sixth at last year&#8217;s Worlds. On his best day, Ciccone can live with the biggest moves and has a powerful sprint to match it, which could make him a huge threat if tactics cause the race to end from a reduced group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Pellizzari is more of an unknown quantity when it comes to Worlds, but he&#8217;s been in great form in the lead-up, winning the Giro della Toscana and finishing second at the Memorial Marco Pantani; while he is one of the top climbers in the world, this will be his debut in the elite road race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scaroni too will be on debut, but he is one of the most consistent performers in one-day races in the peloton, finishing in the top 10 of 14 from the 19 he&#8217;s raced in 2026. This includes fourth at the Clasica San Sebastian, eighth at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and sixth at Trofeo Laigueglia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside of these three, Italy also have young superstar Lorenzo Finn, riding his first elite Worlds after all-but-completing Under-23 racing, Alberto Bettiol, and former runner-up Matteo Trentin [from Harrogate 2029].<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ireland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (Ireland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e91be-b8b7-11f1-a9db-5962e5e820dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Irish racer Ben Healy is one of the world&#8217;s top puncheur <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d065b2-b8b2-11f1-817d-118c640e5c31\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy&#8217;s trajectory at the Worlds road race, finishing seventh in Zurich 2024 and then third in Kigali last season, suggests that a rainbow jersey isn&#8217;t too far away for the Irishman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An elite one-day racer, Healy is perfectly suited to the racing in the road race as an opportunistic solo attacker, who will be looking to anticipate and get ahead at any moment presented to him. And with no race radios, it basically means his rivals can&#8217;t let him out of their sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While probably not the strongest in terms of climbing or punchiness, Healy&#8217;s racecraft is what puts him in the running to win these biggest one-day races, also finishing second at Amstel Gold and third at Li\u00e8ge throughout his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one problem for Healy, though, is that he hasn&#8217;t actually taken a victory this season, so jumping from that to the rainbow jersey could appear far-fetched. However, it&#8217;s when you underestimate him that he&#8217;s at his most dangerous \u2013 certainly expect Healy to be on the attack on Sunday; he won&#8217;t be waiting for those superstars mentioned above to just beat him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-eeaa737e-b8b4-11f1-9528-87dc3cde00fd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, without Poga\u010dar, the openness of this race means that several more riders are in contention for the victory than was originally thought.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez<\/strong> (Ecuador) stands out as an obvious option and elite racer, also from the UAE Team Emirates-XRG trade team, especially if racing comes back together \u2013 the same can be said of Australia&#8217;s <strong>Michael Matthews<\/strong>, who loves racing in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Coming from his historic overall triumph at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, <strong>Enric Mas<\/strong> could well return to his previous best one-day racing from 2022 and be in the running. Spain also have <strong>Juan Ayuso<\/strong>, who would have been a main contender, but has dropped down the rankings after his recent crash in Quebec.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how difficult the race is made, it brings more of the elite climbing force into play, the likes of <strong>Florian Lipowitz<\/strong> (Germany), and Vuelta podium finishers <strong>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/strong> (Slovenia) and <strong>Felix Gall<\/strong> (Austria).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, <strong>Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161<\/strong> (Latvia) is a shoo-in to finish in the top 10, as he has done the past three seasons, but also from one of the smaller European nations, <strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> (Czechia) could prove to be a dangerous threat if he isn&#8217;t dropped on the climbs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0662a-b8b2-11f1-864b-1968c65698f8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Alejandra Neira takes junior women&#8217;s road race title from five-rider escape in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Once I got away, I just committed&#8217; &#8211; Ashlin Barry never hit the wall, got caught or stumbled on march to first gold medal at Road Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Ashlin Barry powers to under-23 men&#8217;s title with 30-kilometre solo attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">SD Worx-Protime add more strength to their climbing roster with Axelle Dubau-Pr\u00e9vot<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One final opportunity to give it everything&#8217; \u2013 Ashleigh Moolman Pasio set to close out 17-year professional career with World Championships road race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Anything other than gold would be a disappointment&#8217; \u2013 Ultra-ambitious Paul Seixas throws down the gauntlet for Road World Championships title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best chance at a rainbow jersey \u2013 World Championships under-23 men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open field of young stars going for glory \u2013 World Championships junior men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The next generation of specialists is expected to shine despite short course &#8211; World Championships junior women&#8217;s time trial contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Road World Championships: Alejandra Neira takes junior women&#8217;s road race title from five-rider escape in Montr\u00e9al<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We gave it everything&#8217; &#8211; Aubin Sparfel ready to join Paul Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM after Montreal Worlds disappointment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Once I got away, I just committed&#8217; &#8211; Ashlin Barry never hit the wall, got caught or stumbled on march to first gold medal at Road Worlds<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Road World Championships: Ashlin Barry powers to under-23 men&#8217;s title with 30-kilometre solo attack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>SD Worx-Protime add more strength to their climbing roster with Axelle Dubau-Pr\u00e9vot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-25T09:35:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and a strong USA team also among top names for Sunday&#8217;s headline event in Montreal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-750-80.png.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Isaac del Toro, Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu van der Poel are among the big favourites for the elite men&#8217;s road race<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Remco Evenepoel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Isaac del Toro<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Paul Seixas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Van Aert<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Tom Pidcock<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Simmons &amp; McNulty<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ciccone &amp; Pellizzari<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Ben Healy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Outsiders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474\">As the UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada, near a close, it means the headline events of the elite road races are quickly approaching, with the men&#8217;s event on Sunday bringing only the best riders in the world together to fight for the title and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>All along, this race was expected to see Tadej Poga\u010dar win his third world title in a row after his dominant solo successes in Zurich and Kigali. However, after he crashed out of the rest of the season at the Vuelta, it has opened the door for the sport&#8217;s next best superstars.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Raced over 273.7km and taking in more than 3,800m of elevation gain across the 12 laps of the Mount Royal circuit and Camillien-Houde climb (2.3km at 6.2%), it should bring a true war of attrition, where only the strongest riders survive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As stated, we won&#8217;t have a repeat champion, but there isn&#8217;t an obvious answer to the question of who will be Poga\u010dar&#8217;s successor in 2026. Elite climbers, puncheurs and Classics specialists are all in the mix, with tactics and how national teams utilise their leading stars set to prove vital.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To get a better understanding of who could end up in the rainbow bands by the time the dust settles on Sunday evening, we&#8217;ve taken a closer look at the big names and how they stack up against each other for the big event \u2013 here are our favourites for the men&#8217;s elite road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8ce6-b8b7-11f1-a0fa-a556047c4acf\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel won the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa for a fourth time in August <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05dba-b8b2-11f1-9095-c5ec7b642aad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When it comes to completeness for the Montreal course, Belgium&#8217;s Remco Evenepoel is the obvious choice as the favourite, as one of the very best climbers, who also packs a serious punch, is more than capable in a sprint, and is the most dangerous solo attacker in the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With several potential routes to victory, Evenepoel will have a target on his back throughout Sunday&#8217;s race, knowing full well that he won&#8217;t be allowed to simply slip away into a move \u2013 in theory that is \u2013 especially after doing just that and going on to win his first road race world title back in 2022 in Wollongong.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big problem for his rivals, though, is that stopping him from doing exactly that is far easier said than done, as his aerodynamic advantage and incredible time trialling abilities \u2013 winning a fourth world title in a row last weekend \u2013 mean that even if they fail to match his initial acceleration, that could already prove too late to bring him back.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, Evenepoel has been pursuing GC titles and time trials throughout his career, but it should not be forgotten that he is an absolutely elite one-day racer, winning Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge twice, Amstel Gold Race, Clasica San Sebastian four times, the Worlds four years ago as already stated, and most recently the GP Quebec in the build-up to Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also second behind Poga\u010dar at Worlds, Europeans, and Il Lombardia last season, all of them solo, suggesting that he \u2013 in theory \u2013 should be too strong for everyone and will ride away, but it won&#8217;t be that easy. Those races mentioned had much harder courses than Montreal in terms of climbing, and with Poga\u010dar opening them up so early, Evenepoel earned those runner-up places through brute force \u2013 it&#8217;s the tactics where he could come unstuck.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trump card in favour of him and Belgium emerging on top, just as legendary compatriot Eddy Merckx did in Montreal in 1974, is that he has Wout van Aert for company as a co-leader, making up for a combination, which, yes, has gone wrong at Worlds in the past, at Leuven 2021, but has also been fruitful, in Wollongong and at the Paris Olympics in 2024.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-mexico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (Mexico)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8d86-b8b7-11f1-9424-ed52527942b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro celebrates victory at the GP de Montr\u00e9al earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05ebe-b8b2-11f1-a4ac-d578c9fe365f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whoever was going to win the 214km taster for Worlds at the GP de Montreal was always going to end up as a top favourite for the rainbow jersey, but the way Isaac del Toro raced has bumped him right up this list, showing great strength and composure to outduel Paul Seixas for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is at a disadvantage in that his Mexico team won&#8217;t have anywhere near the same strength in depth as those from the bigger Cycling nations, but his biggest advantage is himself, already established as one of the best riders in the world at just 22.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His improvement has been exponential, and there&#8217;s nothing to say he couldn&#8217;t end up as the World Champion in two days&#8217; time, with his elite climbing and powerful sprint putting him right up there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Impressively riding to seventh in Rwanda last year, Del Toro is a much stronger rider now, and it looks likely he will have the power to follow any big move that goes on Sunday; it&#8217;s just whether the numeric advantage of teams like Belgium and the USA ends up seeing him burn too many matches.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG may have lost an almost certain hope for the rainbow jersey with Poga\u010dar out, but in Del Toro, it&#8217;s likely that cycling&#8217;s top team could still end up with the World Champion among their ranks, but in their heir apparent instead of the current king.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8e1c-b8b7-11f1-af8d-418e4189556c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel warmed up for Worlds with a massive solo ride in Luxembourg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05fae-b8b2-11f1-a6c0-8147c0833510\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Count out Mathieu van der Poel at your own risk. A former road World Champion from Glasgow in 2023, the Dutchman is heading towards Montreal 2026 in stellar form, albeit on a course that shouldn&#8217;t particularly suit him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, laps of a circuit sounds akin to that from Scotland, but the climbing difficulty is majorly ramped up in Canada, making it likely that any scorching moves from an Evenepoel or Del Toro could prove too much for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Van der Poel&#8217;s tactical advantage as one of the best one-day riders in history places him right among the top favourites. Those top climbers could prove to be too closely matched, and any cagey action will allow Van der Poel to both catch back up and pounce, and once he knows victory is back on the table, there is probably no rider that can turn themself inside out as much as he can.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Early attacks and a true war of attrition will move the balance away from the Dutchman, but he was able to keep coming back over a course with more climbing packed in in Zurich to finish third, so counting him out seems foolish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And as much as he says his recent eye-watering 174km solo win in Luxembourg doesn&#8217;t change anything, it certainly told everyone that his modesty is also matched by some degree of confidence. But Sunday will be very different for Van der Poel, as it will be more about surviving to the latter laps and hoping he still has something left, though it&#8217;s not out of the question at all that he takes a second title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (France)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8eb2-b8b7-11f1-9123-9154b2e4801d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas soloing to the win at the Faun Ard\u00e8che Classic in February <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0610c-b8b2-11f1-8d15-d1cbb64b9935\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas turned 20 on Thursday, but as he&#8217;s proved throughout his second season as a pro, his age does not mean he can&#8217;t compete with the top riders in the world, and he&#8217;ll be looking to become the youngest-ever winner of the men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After an incredible season, where he&#8217;s scorched a path to the top by winning Itzulia Basque Country and La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, finishing second at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Strade Bianche, and finishing fourth overall on debut at the Tour de France, Seixas could well become World Champion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s shown strong shape in the build-up, too, finishing third in the Worlds time trial last weekend, but also taking second in the important form-marking GP de Montr\u00e9al, where he was among the strongest riders, but ultimately got overhauled by a more tactically astute and powerful Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a great French team behind him, including the likes of Pavel Sivakov, Bruno Armirail, and Valentin Paret-Peintre, but it&#8217;s the tactics where he could face problems. At times, he can be guilty of doing too much work in a group; it&#8217;s likely that Seixas has to be solo if he wants to win the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s improved at such an incredible rate, though, it wouldn&#8217;t be overly surprising to see him take the lessons from that defeat to Del Toro into action in the big event. What&#8217;s certain is that he will want the race to be as attritional as possible, so expect France to be on full attack for their young superstar.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Wout van Aert (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8f7a-b8b7-11f1-bcbe-550c833c82be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert revved up for Worlds with a successful Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d061fc-b8b2-11f1-8891-816b7464b713\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two years away from Worlds, Wout van Aert returns to take on the road race, and in some of the best form of his career, fresh off the back of a stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was back at his world-beating best to win two stages, the points jersey, and the supercombativity prize.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riding as co-leader alongside Evenepoel, the course isn&#8217;t as suited to him as the heavier Classics specialist, but Van Aert has long been a rider for all terrains, and was climbing more than well enough in Spain to suggest he can survive the brutal laps in Montreal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Twice a runner-up in the elite men&#8217;s road race, Van Aert has been close to the big prize before in 2020 and 2023, but he has something in 2026 that he didn&#8217;t have in those previous near-misses \u2013 he&#8217;s won Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps freed by that incredible, emotional win at cycling&#8217;s arguably biggest one-day race, if anything can unlock Van Aert and see him finally become road World Champion, the confidence he took from beating Poga\u010dar in the velodrome in April might be just that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another true versatile rider, Van Aert, like Evenepoel, can win from a small group sprint or solo, so he should make a dangerous combination with the 2022 champion. But they must work together to ensure they don&#8217;t cancel each other out, as keeping two star riders near the front for when the likes of Del Toro and Seixas are kicking off could prove essential.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-great-britain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9010-b8b7-11f1-be6d-29d6ec909626\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock is another versatile Classics rider on the startlist <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d062e2-b8b2-11f1-bf4b-a33319589950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Tom Pidcock, Great Britain have a great chance at taking their first elite men&#8217;s road race victory since Mark Cavendish back in 2011, with the punchy Yorkshireman more than well-suited to the Montreal course.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His previous best result was sixth in 2021, and he was 10th last year, but Pidcock has shown several times this season that his capabilities as a one-day racer are still on the rise: most notably by pushing Poga\u010dar to the absolute limit at Milan-San Remo, but also by winning Milano-Torino, and finishing fourth and sixth at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock is another top contender whose versatility makes him a dangerous prospect going into the final laps in Montreal, as he can get away on the uphill or downhill, and still beat you in a sprint even if he&#8217;s caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the likes of Adam Yates and Oscar Onley to support him, the British team should be represented in numbers when the race is inevitably blown to pieces by one of Belgium or France, and Pidcock will most likely be waiting in the wings to pounce, should he have the legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has the advantage from his multi-disciplinary racing of knowing very well how best to race on instinct without teammates, so the lack of race radios should be no problem for him too if things are really selective towards the finale.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-quinn-simmons-brandon-mcnulty-usa\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Quinn Simmons &amp; Brandon McNulty (USA)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e909c-b8b7-11f1-8ce6-390fdd361258\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quinn Simmons will be leading the USA in Canada <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d063dc-b8b2-11f1-899f-5ff87827ba73\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The USA men have a huge chance of winning the road race on Sunday, or as Kevin Vermaerke described it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>: &#8220;probably our best shot at a win since Lance Armstrong won in &#8217;93 [in Oslo]&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Without a real clear leader, the US have three elite riders who could threaten a solo victory in the final 50km: Quinn Simmons, former GP de Montr\u00e9al winner Brandon McNulty, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Simmons and McNulty especially were very active throughout the Grands Prix, both finishing in the top five of both races, but just missing that bit of punch to go with the big moves made by Evenepoel, Seixas and Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But they will know that going into Sunday, and will most definitely be trying to get one of their star names up the road, hoping to anticipate and benefit from the other top teams marking each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once the selections have been made in the 270km race, Simmons and McNulty should both be among the constant attackers trying to go solo, and if the rainbow jersey is still on the line at that point, it could well bring the US their first win in this event in 33 years.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-giulio-pellizzari-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone &amp; Giulio Pellizzari (Italy)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9132-b8b7-11f1-ab0f-1d452a8b0219\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone is at the helm of Italy <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d064cc-b8b2-11f1-b842-352f6f605af9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian team is another filled with options who could end up in a final selection on Sunday, but the standouts are Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the best one-day racer among them, finishing in the top 10 of the GP de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al in the build-up, but also taking sixth at last year&#8217;s Worlds. On his best day, Ciccone can live with the biggest moves and has a powerful sprint to match it, which could make him a huge threat if tactics cause the race to end from a reduced group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Pellizzari is more of an unknown quantity when it comes to Worlds, but he&#8217;s been in great form in the lead-up, winning the Giro della Toscana and finishing second at the Memorial Marco Pantani; while he is one of the top climbers in the world, this will be his debut in the elite road race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scaroni too will be on debut, but he is one of the most consistent performers in one-day races in the peloton, finishing in the top 10 of 14 from the 19 he&#8217;s raced in 2026. This includes fourth at the Clasica San Sebastian, eighth at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and sixth at Trofeo Laigueglia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside of these three, Italy also have young superstar Lorenzo Finn, riding his first elite Worlds after all-but-completing Under-23 racing, Alberto Bettiol, and former runner-up Matteo Trentin [from Harrogate 2029].<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ireland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (Ireland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e91be-b8b7-11f1-a9db-5962e5e820dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Irish racer Ben Healy is one of the world&#8217;s top puncheur <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d065b2-b8b2-11f1-817d-118c640e5c31\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy&#8217;s trajectory at the Worlds road race, finishing seventh in Zurich 2024 and then third in Kigali last season, suggests that a rainbow jersey isn&#8217;t too far away for the Irishman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An elite one-day racer, Healy is perfectly suited to the racing in the road race as an opportunistic solo attacker, who will be looking to anticipate and get ahead at any moment presented to him. And with no race radios, it basically means his rivals can&#8217;t let him out of their sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While probably not the strongest in terms of climbing or punchiness, Healy&#8217;s racecraft is what puts him in the running to win these biggest one-day races, also finishing second at Amstel Gold and third at Li\u00e8ge throughout his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one problem for Healy, though, is that he hasn&#8217;t actually taken a victory this season, so jumping from that to the rainbow jersey could appear far-fetched. However, it&#8217;s when you underestimate him that he&#8217;s at his most dangerous \u2013 certainly expect Healy to be on the attack on Sunday; he won&#8217;t be waiting for those superstars mentioned above to just beat him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-eeaa737e-b8b4-11f1-9528-87dc3cde00fd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, without Poga\u010dar, the openness of this race means that several more riders are in contention for the victory than was originally thought.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez<\/strong> (Ecuador) stands out as an obvious option and elite racer, also from the UAE Team Emirates-XRG trade team, especially if racing comes back together \u2013 the same can be said of Australia&#8217;s <strong>Michael Matthews<\/strong>, who loves racing in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Coming from his historic overall triumph at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, <strong>Enric Mas<\/strong> could well return to his previous best one-day racing from 2022 and be in the running. Spain also have <strong>Juan Ayuso<\/strong>, who would have been a main contender, but has dropped down the rankings after his recent crash in Quebec.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how difficult the race is made, it brings more of the elite climbing force into play, the likes of <strong>Florian Lipowitz<\/strong> (Germany), and Vuelta podium finishers <strong>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/strong> (Slovenia) and <strong>Felix Gall<\/strong> (Austria).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, <strong>Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161<\/strong> (Latvia) is a shoo-in to finish in the top 10, as he has done the past three seasons, but also from one of the smaller European nations, <strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> (Czechia) could prove to be a dangerous threat if he isn&#8217;t dropped on the climbs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0662a-b8b2-11f1-864b-1968c65698f8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio slice-container-authorBio\" id=\"slice-container-authorBio\" data-component-name=\"Slice:AuthorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-author-bio-max-height=\"250\" data-author-bio-read-more=\"Read more\" data-author-bio-read-less=\"Read less\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">\n<p>James Moultrie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Alejandra Neira takes junior women&#8217;s road race title from five-rider escape in Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pPTBwhca4eZLp6F2NXcDV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Once I got away, I just committed&#8217; &#8211; Ashlin Barry never hit the wall, got caught or stumbled on march to first gold medal at Road Worlds<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KWRi6EwbrGxuVsE5gb6uQn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Road World Championships: Ashlin Barry powers to under-23 men&#8217;s title with 30-kilometre solo attack<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PkXYT5hh2Y5hadhgt2D3KR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">SD Worx-Protime add more strength to their climbing roster with Axelle Dubau-Pr\u00e9vot<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eLuwVR2RWWrzKLWo8zu74d-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;One final opportunity to give it everything&#8217; \u2013 Ashleigh Moolman Pasio set to close out 17-year professional career with World Championships road race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADm5czuVr6654ZcsP8S8Pi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Anything other than gold would be a disappointment&#8217; \u2013 Ultra-ambitious Paul Seixas throws down the gauntlet for Road World Championships title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6jDGsfsB9yt2gJadTf8auJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Can anyone kick the Europeans off the top spot? \u2013 World Championships junior women\u2019s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ucnW4C33CudyUarHcb5GJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vallieres Mill&#8217;s title defence, Kopecky&#8217;s comeback and is Demi Vollering actually unstoppable? &#8211; Analysing the World Championships elite women&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tjxzf8EsCzYu2pgXrkBTKX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">France&#8217;s next prodigy and Brazil&#8217;s best chance at a rainbow jersey \u2013 World Championships under-23 men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gSC9dCAkKbvyhen4EC8H3L-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Home favourite Bella Holmgren, Bunel leads French defence, Australia&#8217;s stacked squad \u2013 World Championships women&#8217;s under-23 road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGfkV84vASJ3ab4GAUbz9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A wide open field of young stars going for glory \u2013 World Championships junior men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KTqA4mLjMT7Tp6FFpoj9qM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The next generation of specialists is expected to shine despite short course &#8211; World Championships junior women&#8217;s time trial contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckMGF5DsZSFxBJ9Guc6vxY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Road World Championships: Alejandra Neira takes junior women&#8217;s road race title from five-rider escape in Montr\u00e9al<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;We gave it everything&#8217; &#8211; Aubin Sparfel ready to join Paul Seixas at Decathlon CMA CGM after Montreal Worlds disappointment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Once I got away, I just committed&#8217; &#8211; Ashlin Barry never hit the wall, got caught or stumbled on march to first gold medal at Road Worlds<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>UCI Road World Championships: Ashlin Barry powers to under-23 men&#8217;s title with 30-kilometre solo attack<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>SD Worx-Protime add more strength to their climbing roster with Axelle Dubau-Pr\u00e9vot<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nUCI Road World Championships\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A wide open face-off between Evenepoel, Del Toro, Seixas, Van der Poel and more for the rainbow jersey \u2013 Analysing the World Championships elite men&#8217;s road race contenders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-09-25T09:35:07Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n25 September 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and a strong USA team also among top names for Sunday&#8217;s headline event in Montreal<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474\">As the UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada, near a close, it means the headline events of the elite road races are quickly approaching, with the men&#8217;s event on Sunday bringing only the best riders in the world together to fight for the title and the right to wear the coveted rainbow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>All along, this race was expected to see Tadej Poga\u010dar win his third world title in a row after his dominant solo successes in Zurich and Kigali. However, after he crashed out of the rest of the season at the Vuelta, it has opened the door for the sport&#8217;s next best superstars.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05c20-b8b2-11f1-8df0-0f3b2d601474-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Raced over 273.7km and taking in more than 3,800m of elevation gain across the 12 laps of the Mount Royal circuit and Camillien-Houde climb (2.3km at 6.2%), it should bring a true war of attrition, where only the strongest riders survive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As stated, we won&#8217;t have a repeat champion, but there isn&#8217;t an obvious answer to the question of who will be Poga\u010dar&#8217;s successor in 2026. Elite climbers, puncheurs and Classics specialists are all in the mix, with tactics and how national teams utilise their leading stars set to prove vital.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">To get a better understanding of who could end up in the rainbow bands by the time the dust settles on Sunday evening, we&#8217;ve taken a closer look at the big names and how they stack up against each other for the big event \u2013 here are our favourites for the men&#8217;s elite road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ytKMCAWdoeKoxdomn4dR7V-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence changes everything \u2013 How will World Championships strategies and tactics be rewritten in Montreal?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zLLbbZMNGwFReCwkUyTZrD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">A big World Championships warm-up where Poga\u010dar&#8217;s absence opens the field significantly \u2013 Riders to watch at the Grands Prix de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zjHmUwnskFuJeTYbEF8aYC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">La Vuelta, Canada, or elsewhere \u2013 Where are the men&#8217;s stars riding in preparation for the Road World Championships?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-remco-evenepoel-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Remco Evenepoel (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8ce6-b8b7-11f1-a0fa-a556047c4acf\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TWfSSKqWTH3QNhyPiTkcvf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Remco Evenepoel won the Donostia San Sebasti\u00e1n Klasikoa for a fourth time in August <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05dba-b8b2-11f1-9095-c5ec7b642aad\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When it comes to completeness for the Montreal course, Belgium&#8217;s Remco Evenepoel is the obvious choice as the favourite, as one of the very best climbers, who also packs a serious punch, is more than capable in a sprint, and is the most dangerous solo attacker in the world.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With several potential routes to victory, Evenepoel will have a target on his back throughout Sunday&#8217;s race, knowing full well that he won&#8217;t be allowed to simply slip away into a move \u2013 in theory that is \u2013 especially after doing just that and going on to win his first road race world title back in 2022 in Wollongong.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qgZ9hMx6FwWwafS8k8YLmK slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The big problem for his rivals, though, is that stopping him from doing exactly that is far easier said than done, as his aerodynamic advantage and incredible time trialling abilities \u2013 winning a fourth world title in a row last weekend \u2013 mean that even if they fail to match his initial acceleration, that could already prove too late to bring him back.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, Evenepoel has been pursuing GC titles and time trials throughout his career, but it should not be forgotten that he is an absolutely elite one-day racer, winning Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge twice, Amstel Gold Race, Clasica San Sebastian four times, the Worlds four years ago as already stated, and most recently the GP Quebec in the build-up to Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He was also second behind Poga\u010dar at Worlds, Europeans, and Il Lombardia last season, all of them solo, suggesting that he \u2013 in theory \u2013 should be too strong for everyone and will ride away, but it won&#8217;t be that easy. Those races mentioned had much harder courses than Montreal in terms of climbing, and with Poga\u010dar opening them up so early, Evenepoel earned those runner-up places through brute force \u2013 it&#8217;s the tactics where he could come unstuck.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/biHbJgWBRRbThEUHoApnRT-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and the rest \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the elite men&#8217;s time trial at the World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pkDVJi9MsWHf96JEXtc3sm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Small nations, rising stars, and the home advantage \u2013 Eight side quests and subplots to follow at the Montreal World Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uEPvfuLaZwSxv4H4U9psGD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">World Championships &#8216;favours saving for one big move&#8217; &#8211; Tom Pidcock aiming for &#8216;truly amazing&#8217; road title<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The trump card in favour of him and Belgium emerging on top, just as legendary compatriot Eddy Merckx did in Montreal in 1974, is that he has Wout van Aert for company as a co-leader, making up for a combination, which, yes, has gone wrong at Worlds in the past, at Leuven 2021, but has also been fruitful, in Wollongong and at the Paris Olympics in 2024.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-isaac-del-toro-mexico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Isaac del Toro (Mexico)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8d86-b8b7-11f1-9424-ed52527942b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uboa5wDBithTYP34TTWhSi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Isaac del Toro celebrates victory at the GP de Montr\u00e9al earlier this year <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05ebe-b8b2-11f1-a4ac-d578c9fe365f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Whoever was going to win the 214km taster for Worlds at the GP de Montreal was always going to end up as a top favourite for the rainbow jersey, but the way Isaac del Toro raced has bumped him right up this list, showing great strength and composure to outduel Paul Seixas for the victory.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Del Toro is at a disadvantage in that his Mexico team won&#8217;t have anywhere near the same strength in depth as those from the bigger Cycling nations, but his biggest advantage is himself, already established as one of the best riders in the world at just 22.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His improvement has been exponential, and there&#8217;s nothing to say he couldn&#8217;t end up as the World Champion in two days&#8217; time, with his elite climbing and powerful sprint putting him right up there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Impressively riding to seventh in Rwanda last year, Del Toro is a much stronger rider now, and it looks likely he will have the power to follow any big move that goes on Sunday; it&#8217;s just whether the numeric advantage of teams like Belgium and the USA ends up seeing him burn too many matches.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG may have lost an almost certain hope for the rainbow jersey with Poga\u010dar out, but in Del Toro, it&#8217;s likely that cycling&#8217;s top team could still end up with the World Champion among their ranks, but in their heir apparent instead of the current king.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-mathieu-van-der-poel-netherlands\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Mathieu van der Poel (Netherlands)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8e1c-b8b7-11f1-af8d-418e4189556c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2z2DLCM6XJjEkS34W2t2vn-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel warmed up for Worlds with a massive solo ride in Luxembourg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d05fae-b8b2-11f1-a6c0-8147c0833510\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Count out Mathieu van der Poel at your own risk. A former road World Champion from Glasgow in 2023, the Dutchman is heading towards Montreal 2026 in stellar form, albeit on a course that shouldn&#8217;t particularly suit him.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Yes, laps of a circuit sounds akin to that from Scotland, but the climbing difficulty is majorly ramped up in Canada, making it likely that any scorching moves from an Evenepoel or Del Toro could prove too much for the Dutchman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But Van der Poel&#8217;s tactical advantage as one of the best one-day riders in history places him right among the top favourites. Those top climbers could prove to be too closely matched, and any cagey action will allow Van der Poel to both catch back up and pounce, and once he knows victory is back on the table, there is probably no rider that can turn themself inside out as much as he can.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Early attacks and a true war of attrition will move the balance away from the Dutchman, but he was able to keep coming back over a course with more climbing packed in in Zurich to finish third, so counting him out seems foolish.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And as much as he says his recent eye-watering 174km solo win in Luxembourg doesn&#8217;t change anything, it certainly told everyone that his modesty is also matched by some degree of confidence. But Sunday will be very different for Van der Poel, as it will be more about surviving to the latter laps and hoping he still has something left, though it&#8217;s not out of the question at all that he takes a second title.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-paul-seixas-france\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Paul Seixas (France)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8eb2-b8b7-11f1-9123-9154b2e4801d\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vv9KnwGNC88ZaueKqNdRh4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paul Seixas soloing to the win at the Faun Ard\u00e8che Classic in February <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0610c-b8b2-11f1-8d15-d1cbb64b9935\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Paul Seixas turned 20 on Thursday, but as he&#8217;s proved throughout his second season as a pro, his age does not mean he can&#8217;t compete with the top riders in the world, and he&#8217;ll be looking to become the youngest-ever winner of the men&#8217;s elite road race on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After an incredible season, where he&#8217;s scorched a path to the top by winning Itzulia Basque Country and La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, finishing second at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Strade Bianche, and finishing fourth overall on debut at the Tour de France, Seixas could well become World Champion.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s shown strong shape in the build-up, too, finishing third in the Worlds time trial last weekend, but also taking second in the important form-marking GP de Montr\u00e9al, where he was among the strongest riders, but ultimately got overhauled by a more tactically astute and powerful Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Seixas has a great French team behind him, including the likes of Pavel Sivakov, Bruno Armirail, and Valentin Paret-Peintre, but it&#8217;s the tactics where he could face problems. At times, he can be guilty of doing too much work in a group; it&#8217;s likely that Seixas has to be solo if he wants to win the title.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He&#8217;s improved at such an incredible rate, though, it wouldn&#8217;t be overly surprising to see him take the lessons from that defeat to Del Toro into action in the big event. What&#8217;s certain is that he will want the race to be as attritional as possible, so expect France to be on full attack for their young superstar.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-wout-van-aert-belgium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Wout van Aert (Belgium)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e8f7a-b8b7-11f1-bcbe-550c833c82be\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mRYtKyAi6QCcvR3BCVfoF8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Wout van Aert revved up for Worlds with a successful Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d061fc-b8b2-11f1-8891-816b7464b713\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After two years away from Worlds, Wout van Aert returns to take on the road race, and in some of the best form of his career, fresh off the back of a stunning Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, where he was back at his world-beating best to win two stages, the points jersey, and the supercombativity prize.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Riding as co-leader alongside Evenepoel, the course isn&#8217;t as suited to him as the heavier Classics specialist, but Van Aert has long been a rider for all terrains, and was climbing more than well enough in Spain to suggest he can survive the brutal laps in Montreal.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Twice a runner-up in the elite men&#8217;s road race, Van Aert has been close to the big prize before in 2020 and 2023, but he has something in 2026 that he didn&#8217;t have in those previous near-misses \u2013 he&#8217;s won Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Perhaps freed by that incredible, emotional win at cycling&#8217;s arguably biggest one-day race, if anything can unlock Van Aert and see him finally become road World Champion, the confidence he took from beating Poga\u010dar in the velodrome in April might be just that.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Another true versatile rider, Van Aert, like Evenepoel, can win from a small group sprint or solo, so he should make a dangerous combination with the 2022 champion. But they must work together to ensure they don&#8217;t cancel each other out, as keeping two star riders near the front for when the likes of Del Toro and Seixas are kicking off could prove essential.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-tom-pidcock-great-britain\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Tom Pidcock (Great Britain)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9010-b8b7-11f1-be6d-29d6ec909626\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bpFwZP6QmwjMWc5qDKjucB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tom Pidcock is another versatile Classics rider on the startlist <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d062e2-b8b2-11f1-bf4b-a33319589950\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">In Tom Pidcock, Great Britain have a great chance at taking their first elite men&#8217;s road race victory since Mark Cavendish back in 2011, with the punchy Yorkshireman more than well-suited to the Montreal course.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">His previous best result was sixth in 2021, and he was 10th last year, but Pidcock has shown several times this season that his capabilities as a one-day racer are still on the rise: most notably by pushing Poga\u010dar to the absolute limit at Milan-San Remo, but also by winning Milano-Torino, and finishing fourth and sixth at the GPs de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pidcock is another top contender whose versatility makes him a dangerous prospect going into the final laps in Montreal, as he can get away on the uphill or downhill, and still beat you in a sprint even if he&#8217;s caught.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">With the likes of Adam Yates and Oscar Onley to support him, the British team should be represented in numbers when the race is inevitably blown to pieces by one of Belgium or France, and Pidcock will most likely be waiting in the wings to pounce, should he have the legs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">He has the advantage from his multi-disciplinary racing of knowing very well how best to race on instinct without teammates, so the lack of race radios should be no problem for him too if things are really selective towards the finale.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-quinn-simmons-brandon-mcnulty-usa\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Quinn Simmons &amp; Brandon McNulty (USA)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e909c-b8b7-11f1-8ce6-390fdd361258\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVRxauvpys2D2CW29pNZSG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quinn Simmons will be leading the USA in Canada <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d063dc-b8b2-11f1-899f-5ff87827ba73\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The USA men have a huge chance of winning the road race on Sunday, or as Kevin Vermaerke described it to <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>: &#8220;probably our best shot at a win since Lance Armstrong won in &#8217;93 [in Oslo]&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Without a real clear leader, the US have three elite riders who could threaten a solo victory in the final 50km: Quinn Simmons, former GP de Montr\u00e9al winner Brandon McNulty, and Matteo Jorgenson.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Simmons and McNulty especially were very active throughout the Grands Prix, both finishing in the top five of both races, but just missing that bit of punch to go with the big moves made by Evenepoel, Seixas and Del Toro.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But they will know that going into Sunday, and will most definitely be trying to get one of their star names up the road, hoping to anticipate and benefit from the other top teams marking each other.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once the selections have been made in the 270km race, Simmons and McNulty should both be among the constant attackers trying to go solo, and if the rainbow jersey is still on the line at that point, it could well bring the US their first win in this event in 33 years.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-giulio-ciccone-giulio-pellizzari-italy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Giulio Ciccone &amp; Giulio Pellizzari (Italy)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e9132-b8b7-11f1-ab0f-1d452a8b0219\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AwkCBtZo24DyzLmvtL6eTQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Giulio Ciccone is at the helm of Italy <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d064cc-b8b2-11f1-b842-352f6f605af9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Italian team is another filled with options who could end up in a final selection on Sunday, but the standouts are Giulio Ciccone, Giulio Pellizzari, and Christian Scaroni.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ciccone is the best one-day racer among them, finishing in the top 10 of the GP de Qu\u00e9bec and Montr\u00e9al in the build-up, but also taking sixth at last year&#8217;s Worlds. On his best day, Ciccone can live with the biggest moves and has a powerful sprint to match it, which could make him a huge threat if tactics cause the race to end from a reduced group.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">22-year-old Pellizzari is more of an unknown quantity when it comes to Worlds, but he&#8217;s been in great form in the lead-up, winning the Giro della Toscana and finishing second at the Memorial Marco Pantani; while he is one of the top climbers in the world, this will be his debut in the elite road race.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Scaroni too will be on debut, but he is one of the most consistent performers in one-day races in the peloton, finishing in the top 10 of 14 from the 19 he&#8217;s raced in 2026. This includes fourth at the Clasica San Sebastian, eighth at Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, and sixth at Trofeo Laigueglia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Outside of these three, Italy also have young superstar Lorenzo Finn, riding his first elite Worlds after all-but-completing Under-23 racing, Alberto Bettiol, and former runner-up Matteo Trentin [from Harrogate 2029].<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-ben-healy-ireland\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Ben Healy (Ireland)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-8c7e91be-b8b7-11f1-a9db-5962e5e820dd\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hGaHLxCvC7fTnf9b4Ep2nL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Irish racer Ben Healy is one of the world&#8217;s top puncheur <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-63d065b2-b8b2-11f1-817d-118c640e5c31\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ben Healy&#8217;s trajectory at the Worlds road race, finishing seventh in Zurich 2024 and then third in Kigali last season, suggests that a rainbow jersey isn&#8217;t too far away for the Irishman.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">An elite one-day racer, Healy is perfectly suited to the racing in the road race as an opportunistic solo attacker, who will be looking to anticipate and get ahead at any moment presented to him. And with no race radios, it basically means his rivals can&#8217;t let him out of their sight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While probably not the strongest in terms of climbing or punchiness, Healy&#8217;s racecraft is what puts him in the running to win these biggest one-day races, also finishing second at Amstel Gold and third at Li\u00e8ge throughout his career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The one problem for Healy, though, is that he hasn&#8217;t actually taken a victory this season, so jumping from that to the rainbow jersey could appear far-fetched. However, it&#8217;s when you underestimate him that he&#8217;s at his most dangerous \u2013 certainly expect Healy to be on the attack on Sunday; he won&#8217;t be waiting for those superstars mentioned above to just beat him.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-eeaa737e-b8b4-11f1-9528-87dc3cde00fd\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Of course, without Poga\u010dar, the openness of this race means that several more riders are in contention for the victory than was originally thought.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>Jhonatan Narv\u00e1ez<\/strong> (Ecuador) stands out as an obvious option and elite racer, also from the UAE Team Emirates-XRG trade team, especially if racing comes back together \u2013 the same can be said of Australia&#8217;s <strong>Michael Matthews<\/strong>, who loves racing in Canada.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Coming from his historic overall triumph at the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, <strong>Enric Mas<\/strong> could well return to his previous best one-day racing from 2022 and be in the running. Spain also have <strong>Juan Ayuso<\/strong>, who would have been a main contender, but has dropped down the rankings after his recent crash in Quebec.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Depending on how difficult the race is made, it brings more of the elite climbing force into play, the likes of <strong>Florian Lipowitz<\/strong> (Germany), and Vuelta podium finishers <strong>Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d<\/strong> (Slovenia) and <strong>Felix Gall<\/strong> (Austria).<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Finally, <strong>Toms Skuji\u0146\u0161<\/strong> (Latvia) is a shoo-in to finish in the top 10, as he has done the past three seasons, but also from one of the smaller European nations, <strong>Mathias Vacek<\/strong> (Czechia) could prove to be a dangerous threat if he isn&#8217;t dropped on the climbs.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-63d0662a-b8b2-11f1-864b-1968c65698f8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Subscribe to Cyclingnews for comprehensive race coverage of both the UCI Road and Gravel World Championships, alongside the final monument of the season, Il Lombardia. Subscribers get unlimited access to exclusive analysis from our expert columnists, in-depth features and industry-leading tech insight. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/a-wide-open-face-off-between-evenepoel-del-toro-seixas-van-der-poel-and-more-for-the-rainbow-jersey-analysing-the-world-championships-elite-mens-road-race-contenders\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8PkTJPKGrgqMM2cQxQMqxX-1600-80.png&#8221;] 1 Start times for Road World Championships elite men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s time trial 2 As it happened: Defending champion makes history at Road World Championships 2026 elite men&#8217;s individual time trial 3 &#8216;I don&#8217;t think that solo changes much&#8217; \u2013 Modest Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert unconcerned by jet [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2164457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2164457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2164457"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2164457\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2164457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2164457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2164457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}