Canadian cyclist Magdeleine Vallieres emerged victorious in the women’s elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships held on Saturday. Hailing from Sherbrooke, Quebec, the 24-year-old represented the EF Education-Oatly team based in the United States. Vallieres made a decisive move during the final ascent of the Kigali circuit, breaking away from the lead group and maintaining her position to clinch the title, becoming the first Canadian woman to achieve this honor.
Expressing her elation, Vallieres stated, “Winning this championship has been a longstanding aspiration of mine, and now it has become a reality. It feels surreal.” Supported by teammate Alison Jackson, Vallieres completed the challenging 164.6-kilometer route in four hours, 34 minutes, and 48 seconds. The podium saw New Zealand’s Niamh Fisher-Black securing the second position, trailing by 23 seconds, followed by Spain’s Mavi Garcia in third place, just four seconds behind.
Reflecting on her strategy, Vallieres credited her team’s belief in her abilities, which bolstered her confidence to give her best performance. She emphasized her thorough preparation and peak physical condition, emphasizing her determination to seize the opportunity without any regrets.
Vallieres, who engaged in high-altitude training with her teammates before the race, joined a late-race breakaway and set a demanding pace within the group. As the riders approached the final climb, Vallieres made a tactical decision to surge ahead, recognizing the strength of her competitors and seizing the moment to secure her victory.
In her post-race remarks, Vallieres acknowledged the fierce competition and the strategic maneuver that led to her triumph. Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about future opportunities, including the upcoming World Championships in Montreal, underscoring the significance of her achievement and the fulfillment of a long-held dream.