Tom Pidcock and Zoe Backstedt lead GB squad for cycling World Championships
Tom Pidcock will captain Great Britain’s men’s team at the 2026 Road World Championships in Montreal, joining a strong lineup that includes Oscar Onley, Adam Yates and Fred Wright. The women’s squad, led by Zoe Backstedt, features Olympic silver medalist Anna Henderson and world‑champion track ride…
The 2026 UCI Road World Championships will take place in Montreal, Canada, from 20 to 27 September. Great Britain has selected a 36‑strong squad across elite, under‑23 and junior categories, with Tom Pidcock at the helm of the men’s team and Zoe Backstedt leading the women’s side.
Why Tom Pidcock is the Man to Watch
At 27, Pidcock has already carved out a reputation as a versatile rider. He recently secured a second world title in mountain‑bike cross‑country and finished sixth in the Montreal road race, a performance that bodes well for the upcoming event. The course features a circuit with sharp, punchy climbs that mirror the terrain he tackled in Quebec and Montreal’s end‑of‑season Grand Prix races.
His teammates include Oscar Onley, who finished sixth overall and claimed the best young rider classification at last week’s Vuelta a España, former Tour de France podium finisher Adam Yates—winner of the 2023 GP Montreal—and national road race champion Fred Wright. Callum Thornley will compete in both the road race and time trial, joining national time trial champion Ethan Hayter for the individual event.
Women’s Squad Highlights
Zoe Backstedt, the reigning under‑23 world time‑trial champion, has enjoyed a breakthrough season with seven victories and is now stepping up to senior competition. She is considered one of the favourites for the time‑trial title. Anna Morris, a multiple world champion on the track, will make her debut on the road world championships’ time‑trial course. Olympic silver medallist Anna Henderson, along with Pfeiffer Georgi, Lauren Dickson, Josie Nelson and Flora Perkins, complete the elite women’s roster.
Under‑23 and Junior Talent
The under‑23 men’s squad features Jacob Bush, Mattie Dodd, Elliot Rowe, Will Smith and Ben Wiggins, the son of Tour de France winner Bradley. The women’s under‑23 team is led by Cat Ferguson, who is returning from an injury‑marred season, and includes former junior world TT silver medallist Ben Wiggins. Junior men and women also bring fresh talent, with names such as Leon Atkins, Gus Dutton, Finlay Storrie, Dexter Townsend, Evander Wishart, Aalia Clay, Peggy Knox, Gabby McHugh, Zoe Roche and Melanie Rowe.
What’s at Stake?
Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar will not defend his title after a broken collarbone at the Vuelta a España ended his season prematurely. This absence opens the field for new contenders. The race’s challenging circuit, combined with the high stakes of the rainbow jersey, makes the event a focal point for cycling fans worldwide.
As the championships approach, Great Britain’s squad is poised to capitalize on the opportunity, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars ready to compete for glory on Canadian soil.
With the world’s best riders gathering in Montreal, the 2026 Road World Championships promise to deliver exciting racing, unpredictable outcomes, and a chance for Great Britain to add another rainbow jersey to its collection.
What Happens Next?
The event will unfold over eight days, featuring individual time trials and road races for each category. The British team will focus on strategic positioning, especially on the demanding climbs that define the course. While the final results remain uncertain, the squad’s depth and recent form suggest they are strong contenders for medals.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Pidcock leads the men’s squad, with strong teammates Oscar Onley, Adam Yates and Fred Wright.
- Zoe Backstedt and Anna Morris head the women’s squad, targeting the time‑trial and road race titles.
- Reigning champion Tadej Pogacar is absent due to injury, opening the field for new champions.
- The course features a challenging circuit that mirrors recent Canadian races.
- Great Britain’s 36‑strong squad includes promising under‑23 and junior riders.
- The championships will run from 20 to 27 September in Montreal, Canada.
Why it matters
The 2026 Road World Championships are a pivotal event where national teams vie for the coveted rainbow jersey, and Great Britain’s strong lineup positions it to capitalize on the absence of the defending champion, potentially reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape.
Key points
- Tom Pidcock leads the men’s squad
- Zoe Backstedt heads the women’s team
- Tadej Pogacar is absent due to injury
- Montreal course mirrors recent Canadian races
- Great Britain has a deep 36‑strong roster
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading the Great Britain men’s team at the 2026 Road World Championships?
Tom Pidcock is the team leader for the men’s squad.
Which rider is the favourite for the women’s time trial?
Zoe Backstedt, the reigning under‑23 world time‑trial champion, is a top contender.
Why is Tadej Pogacar not defending his title?
He suffered a broken collarbone during a crash at the Vuelta a España, ending his season early.
What is the significance of the Montreal course?
It features a circuit with sharp climbs similar to recent Canadian races, testing riders’ climbing and sprinting abilities.
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