Evenepoel Eyes Historic Win at Montreal World Championships
At the World Championships in Montreal, Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel is chasing a historic double by aiming to hold all four world and Olympic road and time trial titles. With Tadej Pogacar absent after a crash, British hopefuls Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley will vie for the rainbow jersey, while th…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal set the stage for a dramatic contest in the absence of reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, who is still recovering from a severe crash during the Vuelta a España. The men’s elite road race, a grueling 273.7‑km course that climbs almost 4,000 metres, will see British riders Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley front‑running the national squad in a bid to capture the coveted rainbow jersey.
Evenepoel’s Historic Ambition
Belgian star Remco Evenepoel, the first rider to win four consecutive world time‑trial titles, has declared his intention to become the first cyclist ever to hold all four world and Olympic road and time‑trial titles simultaneously. He has dubbed his preparation for the championships “Project Canada,” a nod to the week‑long training camp in Montreal that has sharpened his form. Evenepoel’s absence of Pogacar, who is still sidelined, presents a career‑defining opportunity for the Belgian, who has already proven himself on the world stage with victories in both road racing and time trials.
Evenepoel’s goal is not merely to win a single race; it is to cement his legacy as one of the all‑time greats. The combination of a demanding course and the presence of a strong field, including France’s Paul Seixas, Mexico’s Isaac del Toro, and the British duo, makes the race a true test of endurance and tactical acumen.
British Contenders Poised for Success
Tom Pidcock, a versatile rider who recently claimed a double Olympic gold in both the road race and the time trial, is seen as a serious contender. Pidcock finished second in the similarly long Milan‑Sanremo race in March and has been praised for his recent win at the world mountain bike championships. He is the third British rider after Tom Simpson and Mark Cavendish to stand a realistic chance of winning the rainbow jersey.
“I’m not the top favourite,” Pidcock said before the race. “I think it’s quite an open race, but it’s my best shot so far.” His decision to leave Ineos Grenadiers (now Netcompany Ineos) in late 2024 has been highlighted as a turning point in his career, with Pidcock describing it as the best choice he has ever made.
Oscar Onley, a former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas’s protégé, is also in the mix. Onley finished fourth in the 2025 Tour de France and claimed the best young rider classification at the Vuelta a España. Thomas, now director of racing at Netcompany Ineos, has spoken highly of Onley’s mental strength and ambition, noting that the rider is “desperate to perform” and “puts a lot of pressure on himself.”
Women’s Field Features Strong Competition
In the women’s elite road race, Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt will lead the British squad. Backstedt, who took silver in the elite women’s time trial at the previous world championships, has shown her climbing prowess in the Tour of Flanders and the decisive stages of the Tour de France Femmes. The 180‑km course in Montreal includes almost 3,000 metres of climbing, making it a tough challenge for the peloton.
Backstedt will face a formidable field that includes Dutch champion Demi Vollering, Polish rider Kasia Niewiadoma, and former world champion Lotte Kopecky. Swiss rider Marlen Reusser, who defended her world time‑trial title last weekend, Italian national champion Elisa Longo Borghini, and Spanish climber Paula Blasi, who won the 2026 Vuelta Feminina, add depth to the competition.
Safety Concerns Shadow the Championships
The championships have been marred by ongoing safety debates. Two years after the tragic death of Muriel Furrer at the 2024 UCI world road championships, rider Matt Brennan has criticized the cycling world’s response to the fatal collision involving Fin Tarling in Portugal. Brennan called for an independent body to hold race organisers, the UCI, and other stakeholders accountable for rider safety.
Despite these concerns, the UCI’s management committee in Montreal did not address recent lapses in safety that contributed to Tarling’s death. While the committee highlighted improved barriers, GPS tracking, and equipment regulation as essential measures, it did not mention the persistent issue of cars on the race course. The investigation into Tarling’s death remains under the Portuguese Public Prosecutor’s Office.
As the event unfolds, the world will watch not only for historic victories but also for whether the sport can address the safety challenges that have plagued recent championships.
What Happens Next?
The men’s elite road race will take place on Sunday, with the women’s race on Saturday. The outcome will determine whether Evenepoel can achieve his historic double and whether British riders Pidcock or Onley can bring home the rainbow jersey. The safety debate will continue to be a focal point, potentially influencing future UCI regulations and race planning.
With the world’s best riders on the course and the stakes higher than ever, the Montreal championships promise to deliver both thrilling racing and critical conversations about the sport’s future.
Key facts
- Remco Evenepoel aims to hold all four world and Olympic road and time‑trial titles simultaneously.
- Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley are the main British contenders for the rainbow jersey.
- Zoe Backstedt leads the British women’s squad amid a strong international field.
- Safety concerns from recent rider deaths remain a critical issue for the UCI and race organisers.
- The absence of Tadej Pogacar opens the field for new champions.
- The championships will test both athletic performance and the sport’s commitment to rider safety.
Why it matters
The championships offer a unique opportunity for riders to secure historic titles and for the cycling community to address pressing safety issues that affect the sport’s integrity and future.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Evenepoel’s goal?
Evenepoel seeks to become the first cyclist to hold all four world and Olympic road and time‑trial titles, a milestone that would cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
Why is the UCI’s safety debate important?
Recent rider deaths have highlighted gaps in safety protocols, prompting calls for independent oversight and stricter regulations to protect athletes during competitions.
Who are the leading contenders for the men’s race?
Key riders include Remco Evenepoel, Tom Pidcock, Oscar Onley, Paul Seixas, and Isaac del Toro, among others.
What challenges does the women’s course present?
The 180‑km route in Montreal features almost 3,000 metres of climbing, demanding both endurance and climbing skill from the competitors.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Evenepoel targets history in Montreal as opportunity knocks without Pogacar”
