Next‑Gen Stars Eye Rainbow Jersey at Montreal Worlds

The 2024 World Championship road race in Montreal opens a rare chance for younger riders to claim the rainbow jersey as two‑time champion Tadej Pogacar is sidelined. Established names Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock remain favorites, but Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas could seize the moment in a ra…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 10:08:22 GMT

The 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal have turned into a battlefield where the absence of two‑time defending champion Tadej Pogacar has opened the door for a new generation of riders to claim the coveted rainbow jersey. While the race still features world‑class talent such as Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock, the spotlight now falls on younger climbers Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas, who could make history with a first‑time world title.

Why Montreal Became a Free‑For‑All

Pogacar’s injury at the Vuelta a España means the world’s best rider will not be on the front of the peloton. Instead, he will watch from home in his standard‑edition UAE kit, while the race itself becomes a platform for other top contenders to step into the spotlight. The race’s course—12 laps of a 13.4‑km loop around Mont Royal—offers 269 m of climbing per lap, a total of 3,228 m over the full 273 km. The route is familiar to many, having been used for the Grand Prix de Montreal, and is expected to favor strong climbers and all‑rounders.

Remco Evenepoel, who won the individual time trial in Quebec and has already claimed a world title earlier this week, is still the clear favorite. Yet without Pogacar, the field is wide open. Tom Pidcock, who finished sixth in the Montreal GP, sees the race as “attritional” and believes the young climbers have the best chance.

Rising Stars Set Their Sights on the Jersey

Isaac del Toro, the Mexican rider who took bronze in the individual time trial, has shown that he can handle the high altitude and steep climbs that characterized last year’s Kigali course. Paul Seixas, a French climber who also earned a bronze in the time trial, has been in excellent form, finishing sixth in the Montreal GP. Both riders have expressed a desire to end Pogacar’s reign and bring a new face to the world’s top podium.

Their potential success would signal a shift in the sport’s hierarchy, indicating that the era dominated by a single rider may be coming to an end. It would also inspire a new generation of cyclists worldwide.

Key Contenders and Their Strengths

Remco Evenepoel, known for his climbing prowess and time‑trialing ability, is a top contender. His recent victories in Quebec and the world title in the time trial demonstrate his versatility. Tom Pidcock, a versatile all‑rounder who excels on climbs and in sprint finishes, remains a strong threat. He has the experience of winning the world championship in 2022 and is in peak form after a successful run in the Grand Prix de Montreal.

Other notable riders include Belgian rider Callum Thornley, who will support Pidcock and Adam Yates, and the British squad, which boasts a record 49 WorldTour riders. British talent Zoe Backstedt, who won silver in the elite time trial, and Aalia Clay, who took bronze in the junior time trial, are also poised to make an impact.

Women’s Race: A Parallel Story of Surprise

The women’s world championship is equally unpredictable. Demi Vollering, the Tour de France Femmes champion, is the favorite after winning Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Giro d’Italia. However, the depth of the women’s peloton means any rider could win, from French star Cédrine Kerbaol to Mauritian classics specialist Kim Le Court and Giro champion Elisa Longo Borghini. The race will test teamwork and strategy as Dutch riders, who have a strong squad, must navigate the high climbs of the Mont Royal circuit.

Canadian rider Magdeleine Vallieres, who shocked the world with a win in last year’s women’s race, will defend her title, adding to the excitement of the event.

What’s Next for the World Championships?

The outcome of the Montreal GP will likely influence the final race strategy on Sunday. Teams that performed well in the GP will feel confident, while those that struggled will need to adapt quickly. The race’s high climbs and technical sections will test the riders’ endurance and tactical acumen. With no dominant champion to watch, every rider has a chance to make history, and the world will watch to see which name will finally wear the rainbow jersey.

As the day approaches, the cycling community remains eager to see whether the established stars will rise again or whether the next generation will seize the moment and rewrite the sport’s narrative.

Why This Matters

The absence of a dominant champion opens the door for fresh talent, reshaping the competitive landscape and inspiring future riders. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of one‑day races, where strategy and form can overturn expectations.

Key facts

Pogacar’s injury opens the field for new champions
Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas are top contenders
Remco Evenepoel and Tom Pidcock remain favorites
Montreal’s course favors climbers
Women’s race features a deep, unpredictable field

Why it matters

The race offers a rare chance for emerging talents to claim the world title, potentially reshaping the sport’s hierarchy and inspiring the next generation of cyclists.