October 3, 2026 - (Lake Placid, NY) Martina Berta (Origine Factory Racing) and Martín Vidaurre Kossmann (Specialized Factory Racing) conquered the damp and muddy conditions at Lake Placid Olympic Sites, New York (USA) to bring a memorable UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup season to a close in style.

Berta made it back-to-back XCC victories, underlining her status as one of the breakthrough riders of 2026 and securing third place in the overall standings. Vidaurre, meanwhile, carried his late-season form into Lake Placid following his XCO victory at Soldier Hollow, Utah (USA). His win also marked a third consecutive Men Elite XCC victory at Lake Placid Olympic Sites for Specialized Factory Racing, following Victor Koretzky in 2024 and Christopher Blevins in 2025.
 
The racing also brought a nail-biting Women Elite UCI XCC World Cup overall battle to a close, with Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) edging Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) after a season-long fight for the title.
 
Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing), meanwhile, was confirmed as the Men Elite UCI XCC World Cup overall winner shortly before racing got underway. His closest rival, and the only rider still mathematically able to overtake him, Mathis Azzaro (Origine Factory Racing), withdrew from the event due to a lack of form.
 
Earlier in the day, the U23 XCC races delivered maiden UCI World Cup victories for Bethany-Ann Jackson and Alix André Gallis (Decathlon Ford Racing Team).

Berta Braves The Mud as Frei Seals UCI XCC World Cup Overall Crown
In the build-up to the Women Elite XCC race, all eyes were on Sina Frei and Jenny Rissveds, with the pair battling not only for victory on the day but also for the overall title. Frei’s advantage in the standings meant the Swiss rider only needed a top three finish to seal the crown, while Rissveds had to win and hope Frei finished off the podium.

The pair set the pace from the gun, with Berta and Evie Richards (Trek-Unbroken XC) also part of the leading group. The conditions added an element of chaos with the rain leaving the corners greasy, the rock garden slippery and riders struggling for traction.

By lap three, a lead group of eight had broken clear, with Rissveds setting a fierce tempo at the front. The pace proved too much for Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing), who lost contact with the group.

Two laps later, the group had swelled from eight to 11 as three riders, including Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Factory Racing), rejoined the fight following a lull in the attacks. At the front, however, Rissveds, Frei and an energised Berta continued to set the tone.

The race soon settled into a familiar pattern, with Frei upping the pace at the end of the start/finish straight to lead into the technical section, before Rissveds clawed back the advantage on the course’s bobsleigh-inspired descent.

That pattern continued until the penultimate lap, when Berta finally showed her hand. The Italian moved up to second before attacking as the leaders took the bell for the final lap, setting a pace that only Rissveds could follow.

The Origine Racing Division rider maintained her advantage through the rock garden and remained composed despite having Rissveds, the most successful Women Elite XCC rider of all time, right on her wheel. Berta entered the final corner with a bike-length advantage and refused to relent in the drag race to the line, holding off Rissveds to claim her second UCI XCC World Cup victory in North America.

Rissveds was forced to settle for second, while Frei crossed the line in third, enough for the Swiss rider to come out on top in their season-long battle and secure the overall title by just 60 points.

Speaking after the race, Martina Berta said: “It’s insane. I think I still have to process what happened two weeks ago. To do it again today is just amazing. I’m so happy. Not only because of the results themselves, but being here and winning three World Cups means I’ve taken a really big step forward. Most of all, I’m so happy and grateful to everyone who has worked with me, not only on days like today, but also through the hard days. They’re the reason why I’m here.”

Speaking after the race, Sina Frei said: “It’s really amazing. I don’t know what to say, but it’s insane that I managed to keep it together from the first straight to the last. I can be really proud, and it was fun to race here. I tried not to think about [the title], but it was always somewhere in my mind. In conditions like today, the equipment is even more important. One little slip can cost you the overall. I had to push as hard as I could, stay at the front, avoid mistakes, stay out of trouble and give it everything I had.”

UCI XCC World Cup | Women Elite standings

Vidaurre Powers to First XCC Win as Martin Wraps Up Overall
Like the Women Elite competition, the Men Elite overall title was still up for grabs heading into the final round, with Martin and Azzaro locked in a two-way battle for the crown. The suspense ended before the racing even began, however, after Azzaro withdrew from the weekend, explaining that his body “is not fit to race at World Cup level.”

But Vidaurre and Luca Schwarzbauer (Canyon XC Racing) had plenty of drama of their own in store, producing a thrilling battle in the wet and slippery conditions.

It was Schwarzbauer who lit the touchpaper, with the German XCC champion setting the pace from the start. Martin, meanwhile, sat back in 12th position, while Bjorn Riley (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team) was also among the contenders.

Two laps later, Vidaurre and Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) had joined Schwarzbauer at the head of the race, glued to the German’s back wheel. By the halfway point, European champion Aldridge took the initiative, leading through the rock garden and stretching the seven-rider front group. But the Brit’s WHOOP live data suggested he was already deep in the red and, with four laps still remaining, the question was whether he had made his move too soon.

The decisive attack came a lap later. Schwarzbauer accelerated into the final corner, with Vidaurre the only rider able to follow. The Chilean then launched a move of his own as they crossed the start/finish line, and the pair quickly opened a gap over a chasing trio led by David List (Decathlon Ford Factory Racing).

Six seconds soon became double figures, making it increasingly clear that victory would come down to Schwarzbauer or Vidaurre. And when Specialized Factory Racing’s rider surged again at the start of the final lap, the elastic finally snapped. Vidaurre powered through the final Short Track lap of the season, opening a comfortable advantage that allowed him to negotiate the churned-up course cleanly. He crossed the line to claim his maiden UCI XCC World Cup victory, celebrating in style.

Schwarzbauer followed shortly behind and immediately congratulated his rival on his breakthrough Short Track win, while Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team) timed his race well to secure the final place on the podium.

Martin crossed the line in fourth, sealing the UCI XCC World Cup overall title without winning a single round during the season.

Speaking after the race, Vidaurre said: “Before this, I used to hate Short Track, but when you’re in good shape and you’re at the front with a good guy like Luca [Schwarzbauer], it makes the race so special. More than winning, for me, being out front with him with three laps to go made it such a special way to win. I was thinking, if I don’t win, I don’t care. It was so good. I’m so happy to get my first win like that. It was so special.”

Overall winner Luca Martin said: “It’s cool. There was a lot of pressure before this race because it would have been a nice battle with Mathis [Azzaro]. In the end, he wasn’t here, but we stayed focused and tried to push hard in the race. It wasn’t the race I expected today. There were a lot of crashes at the front, but I’m still happy with the overall.”

UCI XCC World Cup | Men Elite standings

Jackson Takes First XCC Win as Corvi Closes Out Title-Winning Season
The opening race of the day saw the Women U23 field take on the New York course for a fast and frantic Short Track showdown. Valentina Corvi (Canyon XC Racing) had already secured the overall title, but the Italian was looking to cap a podium-packed season with a fourth victory.

It wasn’t to be for Corvi, however. She crashed out of the lead group on lap five and was forced to retire, leaving her title-winning tally at 776 points. Her exit only intensified the five-way battle for second in the overall standings, which had been led by Lisa Kristine Jorde.

Heading into the final lap, Jorde sat second wheel behind Anina Hutter in a nine-rider lead group, but the decisive move came from further back. Bethany-Ann Jackson launched a powerful attack, with only Rafaelle Carrier (Trinity Racing), Makena Kellerman and Bloeme Kalis (KMC Nukeproof MTB Racing Team) able to respond.

Jackson did enough to hold off the chase and claim her maiden Women U23 UCI XCC World Cup victory. Carrier crossed the line second, a result that propelled the Canadian from fifth to second in the overall standings, while home favourite Kellerman completed the podium and secured third overall.

Bethany-Ann Jackson said: “It’s incredible. One of my goals this year was to get a podium. I made the podium at Worlds, and now I’ve done it in the World Cup too. I couldn’t be happier. I don’t know what changed [during the off-season], but I couldn’t be happier. I’m so excited [about tomorrow’s Women U23 UCI XCO World Cup]. The course is wicked and, if there’s a bit of mud, that only helps me.”

Overall winner Valentina Corvi said: “Not exactly what I was hoping for, but every race is different. Today I crashed after making contact with another rider. It was a big impact, so I couldn’t finish the race. I’m happy I took the overall. I would have liked to finish the season in a better way, but that’s racing. I’m not going to race tomorrow because it’s better to focus on staying healthy. This season, I’ve already achieved some big goals, so I’m super happy. Next season will be another challenge.”

UCI XCC World Cup | Women U23 standings

André Gallis End XCC Season on a High as Schehl Claims Overall
The Men U23 UCI XCC World Cup overall had also been decided before a pedal was turned in Lake Placid, with Paul Schehl’s (Lexware Mountainbike Team) five consecutive victories earlier in the season proving decisive.

With the pressure off, the German was looking to bounce back from fifth place in Soldier Hollow, Utah (USA), and end his title-winning season on a high.

Schehl was immediately prominent at the front in the damp and muddy conditions, but he wouldn’t have things all his own way. After leading deep into lap five, he slipped back to fifth on the following lap and was unable to return to the head of the race.

Instead, it was Alix André Gallis (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) who seized the initiative. Outside the lead group after three laps, the Frenchman steadily worked his way back into contention before launching the decisive move from a nine-rider group on the final lap.

André Gallis held firm to claim his maiden Men U23 UCI XCC World Cup victory, while Benjamin Krüger won the sprint for second, edging Naël Rouffiac (Origine Racing Division) at the line to complete the podium.

UCI XCC World Cup | Men U23 standings

André Gallis said: “I’m so happy. This morning, for the last one, I just wanted to have fun. I didn’t expect this at all. I missed my pedal at the start and thought I wouldn’t be able to make it back into the top 10. Over the last few laps, a few opportunities made things easier for me, and on the final lap I just gave it everything I had. It worked. XCO is a different race, but my weekend is already good. Tomorrow is just a bonus.”

Overall winner Paul Schehl said: “It was super tough. The pace was super high from the beginning. I had planned a mid-race attack, but I didn’t have the chance because everyone was attacking from the start. It was super hard. On the last lap, there was a crash in front of me that cost me a bit of momentum. In the end, I could sprint for fourth, but I didn’t have the power anymore. With the overall, Worlds, my XCC results this season and P5 here, I’ll take that.”

More Titles on the Line as Lake Placid Racing Continues
In a change from the standard double-header schedule, the Endurance riders will be back between the race tape tomorrow for the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup, while the Downhill field will also return to action as riders battle to qualify for Sunday’s UCI Downhill World Cup finals.

In the Women Elite XCO, the tables are turned, with Jenny Rissveds and challenger Sina Frei set to go bar-to-bar once again in the fight for the overall crown. In the Men Elite race, Luca Martin heads into the season finale on the verge of completing an impressive XCO-XCC overall double, a feat that will further establish him as one of cross-country mountain biking’s leading young riders.

Built on the success of the Tour de la Nouvelle-France and Tour du Saint-Laurent in the 1960s, Montreal hosted the 1974 World Cycling Championships. Two years later, the city once again opened its doors to the world, hosting the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. From that momentum, cycling in Quebec and Canada exploded, launching generations of development and growth in all areas of the sport of cycling.

Bike racing flourished across Canada during the 1970s, 1980s and beyond, and Quebec was at the heart of that success. Fast forward to 2026, and the UCI Road World Championships returned to Montreal as testimony to the success of the sport of cycling in Canada.

The “Evening With Legends” celebration was organized by Gervais Rioux, his wife Linda West, and John and Nadia Large, and was held beside Cycles Gervais Rioux on Rue Parc, by the start/finish line of the Road World Championships. All proceeds support the Eric Van Den Eynde Foundation for the development of U23 riders. Here’s a selection of photos from the evening celebrations.

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series’ first visit to the spiritual home of downhill racing didn’t disappoint, delivering drama, disqualifications, surprises and unforgettable performances in front of a feverish crowd that roared riders through every pedal stroke.

Asa Vermette (Frameworks Racing / TRP) emerged from the chaos with both the victory and the Elite Men’s overall lead. The last man down the hill produced a blistering run to put four seconds into an already rapid Max Alran (COMMENCAL / MUC OFF by Riding Addiction), the rider who beat Vermette to the Junior Men’s UCI Downhill World Cup overall title only last season.

While the battle for the men’s crown remains wide open, Valentina Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) showed why her grip on the women’s is stronger than ever. The Austrian fulfilled a lifelong dream by triumphing in Whistler and, in the process, became the joint-third most successful rider in Women’s UCI Downhill World Cup history.

Aletha Ostgaard (Canyon DH Racing) became the first rider to claim a UCI Downhill World Cup victory in Whistler, sealing the Junior Women’s overall title in trademark dominant fashion. She was more than nine seconds clear of the field, setting a time that would also have been fast enough to win the Elite Women’s final.

Camden Rutherford (Nukeproof Axess Racing) claimed his maiden Junior Men’s UCI Downhill World Cup victory with a barnstorming run, continuing New Zealand’s dominance of the category despite the absence of injured overall champion Jonty Williamson (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team).

Vermette Seizes Control as Title Fight Goes to the Wire
After qualifying had served up plenty of shocks, there was no obvious candidate to take control of the hotseat early on. So it was hardly a surprise when Continental Atherton’s Luke Wayman (NZ) went green as the ninth rider out of the start gate, after Jackson Connelly (The Alliance) had opened the Elite Men’s final with a crash just seconds into his run.

What nobody could have predicted was just how long Wayman would stay there. For around 90 minutes, barring a brief interruption from Lachie Stevens-McNab (Trek-Unbroken DH), his time remained unbeaten. Even more remarkably, he finished eight seconds ahead of UCI Downhill World Cup overall leader Jordan Williams (Specialized Gravity), who kept his run upright but struggled to find his usual speed and eventually crossed the line in 21st.

Stevens-McNab had briefly appeared to have produced one of the rides of the day, setting a time that would ultimately have been good enough for second. But his run was later disqualified after replays showed he had briefly gone off course.

That put Wayman back in the hotseat, with Canadian outsider Jacob Jewett (Giant Factory Off-Road Team – DH) incredibly holding onto second alongside him until France’s Amaury Pierron (COMMENCAL / MUC OFF by Riding Addiction), the fourth-fastest qualifier, finally edged ahead by less than a second.

Henri Kieffer (Canyon DH Racing) then looked poised to take over, only for disaster to strike at the final jump. He unclipped just before take-off and was already halfway off the bike before touching down, crashing heavily but thankfully walking away from the incident.

Instead, it was Max Alran who raised the bar, dethroning his teammate Pierron with a blistering run and leaving just one rider at the top of the mountain: Asa Vermette.

The American delivered when it mattered most. Vermette turned the final three time checks green before storming across the line four seconds clear of Alran, sealing the victory and taking control of the Elite Men’s overall standings with a sensational run that came within seven tenths of the fastest possible combined splits.

“Like I dreamed of it, first in qualifying, dropping last, I was like ‘let’s just put it down for the fans’, they were insane,” Vermette said. “I’m just so stoked, I did the run that I wanted to. [My team] told me that Jordan [Williams] didn’t have the best run, so I was just like ‘let’s put a good one down’ and we got it. [Lake Placid] is not very close to home but it’s in America so I’m stoked to lay it down.”

The result turns next week’s finale at Lake Placid Olympic Sites, New York, United States into a three-rider showdown for the title. Vermette heads there with a 96-point advantage over Williams, while Pierron remains in contention, 174 points back, with 250 still available.

Höll Holds Off Hemstreet to Claim Dream Whistler Win
Tahnée Seagrave (Orbea FMD Racing) needed a Q2 run just to make the final, but she made that extra track time count, setting the early benchmark in Whistler. Myriam Nicole (COMMENCAL / MUC OFF by Riding Addiction) and Lisa Baumann (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres) were unable to dislodge her before Italy’s Gloria Scarsi (MS-Racing) eventually edged ahead by just half a second.

But Höll blew the contest wide open moments later, going seven seconds faster to lay down the first truly formidable benchmark of the day. Harriet Harnden (AON Racing) couldn’t put herself in contention for back-to-back wins, but Gracey Hemstreet (Norco X adidas Race Division) soon had the home crowd dreaming.

Almost three seconds down on Höll at the penultimate intermediate time check, the Canadian found another gear in the closing section. She clawed back time all the way to the finish, launching off the final jump and scorching across the line to come within an agonising three tenths of a dream home victory. Höll remained in the hotseat, but only just.

After recording the best qualifying result of her career, Eliana Hulsebosch (NZ) Santa Cruz Syndicate initially looked capable of going even faster, turning the first time check green and remaining within touching distance of Höll at the second. Her challenge came undone, however, in a treacherous muddy root section just above the Ride Wrap Rock Garden.

That left Lisa Bouladou (Santa Cruz Burgtec by Goodman) as the final rider out of the start gate. The Frenchwoman could only manage third, confirming Höll’s sixth UCI Downhill World Cup victory of the season and making her only the fourth woman to achieve that feat in a single campaign.

“I came to Whistler for the first time when I was 14, it was always my biggest dream growing up,” Höll said. “And now to be racing the World Cups here is pretty insane. I can feel the legacy of all the BC racers, it’s an honour to be here.

“Also big up to Gracey [Hemstreet]. I know how hard it is to do your home race, it’s not easy but the crowd is really insane and yeah, win number six this season feels unreal. I don’t know why it keeps happening but obviously I’ll take it.”

Hemstreet’s disappointment at falling just short was clear, but second place still brought a special moment on home soil. She received a cedar trophy honouring the legacy of local legend Stevie Smith, featuring Indigenous artwork by Levi Nelson of the Lil’wat Nation in British Columbia.

“This whole week was pretty unreal to be honest, even practice felt like I was racing with everyone, the whole crowd there. Everyone cheering my name was the most insane feeling. I’m stoked but a little bummed at the same time,” Hemstreet said.

The Future is Fast: Ostgaard and Rutherford Conquer Whistler
Yet remarkably, Höll wasn’t the fastest woman in Whistler. Aletha Ostgaard (Can) Canyon DH Racing went more than four seconds quicker than the UCI World Champion’s winning time on her way to a dominant Junior Women’s victory, prompting Höll to pay tribute to the youngster at the finish.

“Today I got absolutely junior-ed, big up to Aletha,” Höll said. “She smoked me properly and I can’t wait to race with her next year. She’s a massive motivation.”

Before Ostgaard took centre stage, Tayte Proulx-Royds had given the home crowd plenty to cheer about by setting the early benchmark. Her delight was clear in the finish area, where she celebrated with fellow Canadian Piper Graaten and described the experience simply as “unbelievable”.

Cassandre Peizerat (COMMENCAL / MUC OFF by Riding Addiction) then raised the bar dramatically, going 12 seconds faster, before Ostgaard rounded out the final in emphatic fashion. The American was already assured of the overall crown after second-placed Lina Frener (Norco x adidas Race Division) crashed following an audacious whip off the final jump: “It feels so good, even though I’m not Canadian this crowd is just as supportive as if they were American.”

The Junior Men’s final produced another breakthrough performance, with Camden Rutherford (NZ) Nukeproof Axess Racing claiming his maiden victory.

Lois Eller, only the second rider out of the start gate, laid down an impressive benchmark that would be beaten just once. Seppy Binsbergen and Canada’s Ryder Wilson (Team High Country) both looked capable of challenging it before coming unstuck in the same section that had caught out Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate) during qualifying, with the expectant home crowd groaning as Wilson hit the deck within sight of the finish.

Rutherford was the rider who finally made it stick. The New Zealander stormed home almost six seconds faster than Eller, who headed over to congratulate him personally in the finish area.

“I’m so stoked, it’s crazy to me. I was so nervous all day because I knew I could do something good here. I was really wanting a podium but always had the win in the back of my mind. I messed up the top, like three mistakes in the first 50 metres and then just tried to lock in. It felt smooth, pretty sketchy in some bits but I just tried to keep riding. The rock garden was insane, just like 50 train horns all of a sudden.”

Rutherford’s victory also helped Nukeproof Axess Racing edge closer to the 100-point mark in the Team Standings, although the biggest gains came from COMMENCAL / MUC OFF by Riding Addiction. Alran and Pierron’s podium finishes helped the team more than double its advantage over Canyon DH Racing at the top of the standings.

And there’s little time to catch a breath. The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series now heads to Lake Placid for a blockbuster final weekend, with UCI World Cup titles still on the line across all three disciplines.

The UCI Cross-country Short Track (XCC) World Cup kicks off the final weekend at Mt Van Hoevenberg on Friday, 2 October, followed by the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup on Saturday, 3 October. Attention then shifts to Whiteface Mountain on Sunday, 4 October, where the UCI Downhill World Cup will bring the curtain down on the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season.

Full results here.

An early break of 16 that included Canada’s Guillaume Boivin, who replaced Derek Gee, built an 8.5-minute lead but the peloton began to reel them in, and under the pressure, the break splintered. Once it was swallowed up another a group four jumped and then Van der Poel joined them along with Wout van Aert (Bel).

Van der Poel pushed the pace and the group looked good for a time gaining up to 40 seconds but the chasers and the big peloton behind responded. The Dutchman pressed again, and this time four riders including Van der Poel, Primoz Roglic (Slo), Quinn Simmons (USA) and Ben Healy (Irl) were out front with about 50 km to go.

When that foursome was reeled in a group of 12 riders made a short-lived bid to get away, and it was then that McNulty made his historic move with just over 30km to go. As the chasing group behind hesitated a gap opened quickly while the American time trialed ahead – McNulty won the junior world time trial title in 2016.

His lead swelled to almost a minute on the final lap as the chasers tried in vain cutting his advantage to 10 seconds at one point with Pidcock and Van der Poel animating the group. McNulty’s teammate, Matteo Jorgenson, also in the chase group, did his best to sit on the wheel of any attackers.

McNulty had gambled smartly as he powered to the finish line and held on to claim the biggest victory of his career and ended a 33-year drought for the USA. It was 1993 when Lance Armstrong last won the coveted rainbow jersey.

Results
1. Brandon McNulty (USA)            6:17:04.000
2. Michael Matthews (Aus) at 0:13.000
3. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned)
4. Quinn Simmons (USA)
5. Isaac Del Toro (Mex)  0:14.000
6. Mads Pederson (Den)
7. Tom Pidcock (Gbr)
8. Matteo Jorgenson (USA)
9. Giulio Cicoone (Ita)
10. Ben Healy (Ire)

Full results here.

The top Canadian was Sarah Van Dam making the top 20 finishing in 17th while her teammate, Magdeliene Vallières, the defending champ, did not finish a victim of one of several crashes that marred the race.

Longo-Borghini tested the field early on in the 180km contest, eight laps of a 13.4km circuit that included the Voie Camillien-Houde climb. But Vollering reeled her in and only Niewiadoma-Phinney could maintain her pace as the duo set the stage for the final drama to come.

On the final lap Longo-Borghini surged again trying in vain to join the leaders as Marlen Reusser also showed some gusto threatening for the bronze. But in the end, it was Niewiadoma-Phinney striking first with 300m to go but Vollering was ready and pounced as she passed her rival for another big win in her stellar career.

“It still hasn’t sunk in, “ said Vollering, 29, at the finish. “I’ve worked so hard towards this goal and I’m so proud of everybody from the team.”

Results

1. Demi Vollering (Netherlands) 4:45:09
2. Kasia Niewiadoma (Poland) 0:17
3. Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) 0:04s
4. Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) 0:08
5. Juliette Berthet (France) 0:39
6. Puck Pieterse (Netherlands) 1:36
7. Célia Gery (France) 2:55
8. Dominika Włodarczyk (Poland) 4:16
9. Maeva Squiban (France) 5:48
10. Franziska Koch (Germany) 5:51

Full results here.

After 134 km and 2,690 m of climbing on the famous Montreal circuit, it came down to a sprint finish between Holmgren and Slovakia’s Viktória Chladoňová, with the Canadian claiming second in the furious battle up to the finish line. Isabella was the main protagonist of the lead group, with her attacks on the Camillien Houde climb, distilling the lead group of three down to the final two who would contest the sprint for the win. 

“I was happy that the race was getting harder, and when I saw that Vicky went I knew that I had to follow because she is a strong rider. The three of us working together was really good, so it was a strong group and I knew I needed to be there,” says Holmgren.  

Her performance caps off an amazing road race for Canada’s U23 women. The team showcased fantastic teamwork, using their strength to protect Isabella and culling the peloton down to a select group early on.  

Sidney Swierenga of Vancouver, British Columbia, was amongst that select group.  The BC based, climber was essential to the team’s performance. In her element when the slopes point upward, she was ever-present in the peloton, supporting the team’s efforts and ultimately was rewarded with an impressive 8th place in today’s race.  

The maple leaf was on full display throughout the race in our first home road world championships since Hamilton in 2003. It’s a moment the entire cycling community can be proud of and just the start to a great weekend of road races in Montreal.  

For complete results and more information please head over to the Montreal 2026 website.

“Since 1991, our organization has worked tirelessly to host high-level mountain bike events that generate significant economic, sporting, tourism, and media benefits for the region, Quebec, and Canada, explains Marie-France Couture, Executive Producer of the CEEQ. Confirming the hosting of the World Championships at Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2032, right on the heels of successfully delivering the Crankworx World Tour Finals at Mont-Sainte-Anne, solidifies this continuity and opens up very exciting prospects for our organization.”

Canada in the Spotlight
Typically bringing together over 800 athletes from 55 countries and providing global media visibility in over 100 countries through international broadcast, the World Championships offer Canada major international exposure.

“We are extremely proud that the UCI has chosen Mont-Sainte-Anne to host the 2032 World Championships, states Mathieu Boucher, CEO of CC. This announcement, made during the UCI Congress in Montreal while Canada hosts the Road World Championships, represents another major highlight for our sport. The UCI is recognizing not only the expertise and commitment of an entire community, but also Mont-Sainte-Anne’s historic role as one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations.”

“Awarding these World Championships represents an exceptional opportunity for the growth of mountain biking in Quebec, adds Fabien Blot, Executive Director of the FQSC. Welcoming the world’s best athletes to Mont-Sainte-Anne serves as a tremendous source of inspiration for our next generation while helping strengthen our expertise, programs, and cycling ecosystem. Beyond the event itself, our ambition is for 2032 to leave a lasting legacy for athletes, clubs, and the entire Quebec mountain bike community.”

Recognized Expertise and Destination
For the production of the World Championships, the CEEQ will rely on the expertise of Mouvement Production Québec (MPQ), which will act as the event producer.

“After delivering the last three editions of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Mont-Sainte-Anne and the recent Crankworx World Tour Finals, it is a privilege for Mouvement Production Québec to contribute to the delivery of the World Championships, mentions Ian Beaulieu, President of MPQ. Our team will leverage its expertise to deliver an event that meets the standards of the UCI, the athletes, and the tens of thousands of expected spectators.”

This new edition will also build on a relationship of more than three decades between Mont-Sainte-Anne and mountain biking.

“Hosting the World Championships for a fourth time demonstrates the station’s place in mountain biking history and the know-how developed here over the decades,” shares Maxime Cretin, Vice President and General Manager of Mont-Sainte-Anne.

About the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Organized annually by the Union Cycliste Internationale, this event gathers the world’s elite across iconic disciplines such as Olympic Cross-Country (XCO) and Downhill (DHI). Unlike World Cup legs where athletes represent professional trade teams, competitors at the World Championships wear the colors of their respective national teams. On the line, the winners of each category earn the famous rainbow jersey, a supreme title that gives them the privilege of racing in it throughout the following year.

About the Corporation Événements d’été de Québec
The CEEQ is a non-profit organization that has spearheaded international mountain bike events at Mont-Sainte-Anne since 1991. Backed by 35 years of expertise, during which it has organized three World Championships, 30 UCI World Cups, and the 2026 Crankworx World Tour Finals, the CEEQ continues its mission to promote the sport, develop athletes, and create lasting infrastructure legacy for the region.

The finding comes as Ontario remains divided over provincial legislation restricting new bike lanes that remove a lane of vehicle traffic. While the legislation itself splits public opinion, with 44% supporting it and 40% opposing it, support for municipal decision-making is the majority view in every region of the province.

Support for local control is strongest in Southwestern Ontario (71%) and Ottawa (68%), and exceeds 60% in every other region surveyed, including Toronto.

The polling results are being released on the eve of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition’s annual Ontario Bike Summit, which this year follows the Ontario Traffic Council’s Active Transportation Symposium.

“Ontarians are sending a clear message: local roads deserve local decisions,” said Eleanor McMahon, Board Chair of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. “While opinions differ on specific bike lane projects, people trust their municipalities to make decisions based on local needs, local data and local priorities. That view is remarkably consistent across Ontario, regardless of region or political debate. This was an important time to check in with Ontarians, and we’re pleased to see people are ready and want investment in safe cycling options.”

The survey also found that only one-third of Ontarians (33%) believe the provincial government is doing enough to address the concerns of cyclists. In no region does that figure reach 40%.

Strong Support for Safer Roads and Cycling Infrastructure
Despite two years of public debate over bike lanes, support for provincial investment in cycling infrastructure has remained remarkably steady since The Coalition’s previous provincial survey in 2023.

Nearly two-thirds of Ontarians (65%) agree the provincial government should invest in cycling infrastructure because it makes roads safer for both cyclists and motorists, while 72% agree that investing in proper cycling infrastructure makes roads safer for all road users. Another 66% believe more people would ride if communities had more and better cycling infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and paved shoulders.

The strongest point of agreement in the entire survey was road safety: 86% of Ontarians agree that roads should be designed to be safe for everyone, whether they drive, cycle, walk or take transit.

Specific investments also received broad support:
• 88% support provincial investment in active travel plans that encourage walking and cycling to school.
• 80% support expanded public education on road safety and the safe use of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
• 65% support a province-wide cycling education program modelled on swimming lessons.
• 59% support creating a dedicated provincial active transportation fund.

“The findings reinforce what municipalities see every day: people are far more likely to ride when they feel safe,” said Geoff Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Ontario Traffic Council. “Local governments understand their roads, traffic patterns and safety challenges better than anyone. Connected, well-designed infrastructure remains one of the most effective tools available to improve safety for all road users.”

Fewer Ontarians Are Cycling, and Safety Remains the Main Barrier
The number of Ontarians who never cycle has risen, from 32% in 2023 to 41% today. Interest in cycling more often has also declined, falling from 51% in 2023 to 41%.

Among Ontarians who rarely or never cycle, concern about safety on shared roads is the leading barrier, cited by 41% of respondents. Women are more likely than men to identify safety concerns as a reason for not riding.

When asked how safe they would feel riding on roads in their community, 52% said they would feel safe while 43% said they would feel unsafe.

At the same time, Ontarians clearly connect safety with infrastructure. Six in ten (60%) say they would feel more confident cycling if their communities had safe, connected active transportation infrastructure.

Asked what would most encourage them to cycle more often, respondents identified:
• Having destinations closer to where they live (21%);
• Bike lanes or trails that connect to destinations they want to reach (16%);
• Bike lanes or trails that connect to transit (10%).

“The debate over bike lanes has been noisy, but public opinion has been remarkably stable,” said David Coletto, Founder and CEO of Abacus Data. “Ontarians continue to support safer roads and investments in cycling infrastructure. What has changed is participation. Fewer people are riding, and safety remains the main reason. The challenge ahead is closing the gap between the infrastructure people say they want and the number who feel comfortable getting on a bike.”

Key Findings
• 64% say municipalities should decide where bike lanes are located on local roads.
• 44% support and 40% oppose the province’s bike lane legislation.
• 65% support provincial investment in cycling infrastructure because it improves road safety.
• Only 33% believe the provincial government is doing enough to address cyclists’ concerns.
• 41% of Ontarians never cycle, up from 32% in 2023.
• 43% would not feel safe cycling on roads in their community.
• 41% of non-cyclists cite safety on shared roads as their biggest barrier to cycling.
• 86% agree roads should be designed to be safe for all users, regardless of how they travel.
• 46% say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who makes a strong commitment to road safety and cycling infrastructure.
• 66% support developing an Ontario cycling tourism strategy.
• 30% have taken a cycling-related trip in Ontario in the past three years.
• 52% are interested in taking a cycling tourism trip in the future.

About the Survey
The survey was conducted online by Abacus Data among 2,000 Ontario residents aged 18 and over between August 27 and September 1, 2026. The data were weighted according to census benchmarks for age, gender, education and region. The margin of error for a comparable random sample is +/- 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Find the report here.

About the Share the Road Cycling Coalition
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is Ontario’s cycling advocacy and policy organization, working with municipalities, community organizations and governments to make communities across Ontario safer and more accessible for people who cycle. Through its Bicycle Friendly Communities program, Share the Road recognizes municipalities that are creating safer, more connected places to ride. Learn more at sharetheroad.ca.

About the Ontario Traffic Council
The Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) is a leading voice in multi-modal transportation in Ontario, providing expertise in traffic engineering, transportation planning, safety and traffic enforcement. Established in 1950, the OTC promotes education, best practices, research and innovation to support safer transportation systems, including active transportation, cycling, micro-mobility and transit. Learn more at otc.org.

About Abacus Data
Abacus Data is a Canadian public opinion and market research firm founded in 2010, with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax and Winnipeg. The firm advises corporate, association, government and non-profit clients on public opinion, reputation and strategy, and its research is regularly cited by decision-makers and national media.

In the 31.3km U23 men’s race it was the Netherlands’ Ryan Gal winning gold over Nicolas Milesi (Ita) in second with Héctor Álvarez (Esp) taking the bronze. Canada’s Jonas Walton raced to a 16th-place finish with fellow Canuck Carson Mattern in 22nd overall.

Full results here.

His sensational ride, that led to him becoming the first to win four consecutive ITT Worlds titles, was almost a minute faster than Ganna Filippo of Italy who won the silver followed by France’s Paul Seixas in third, taking the final podium spot.

The top Canadian was Michael Leonard just outside of the top-10 in 13th overall. Fellow Canuck, Nickolas Zukowsky, finished in 31st.

In the Elite Women’s Individual Time Trial defending champ, Marlen Reusser of Switzerland, successfully re-claimed her title over Great Britain’s Zoe Backstedt in second, while Germany’s Franziska Koch took home the bronze with the third fastest time. Today was also Reusser’s 35th birthday.

The top Canadian was Nadia Gontova, who made it into the top 20, crossing the line in 19th. Her compatriot Olivia Baril placed 23rd.

Full Elite Men’s results here.
Full Elite Women’s results here.