The 2026 UCI Road World Championships got underway today in Montreal, Canada, with the individual time trial. On a challenging 39.2-kilometre course, UAE Team L’IMAD’s Elisa Longo Borghini came within just four seconds of a place on the podium, finishing fourth.
It was a high-quality performance from the Italian, who was herself surprised by the result after a difficult period leading into the World Championships.
“I didn’t expect to set such a good time. I knew I was going well at the intermediate split, but I also knew that some of the strongest riders had yet to start. I’m surprised, but I’m very happy with the result. I’ve been through a difficult period, as I had some problems with my knee, so I’m very satisfied with my performance.”
Dominika Włodarczyk also finished inside the top 10, taking ninth place at 1:59 from the winner. The Polish rider spent several minutes in the hot seat after setting the fastest provisional time.
Young Spanish rider Paula Blasi completed the UAE Team L’IMAD line-up in the time trial, finishing 18th, 3:05 behind the winner.
The rainbow jersey went once again to Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser, who successfully defended her world title with a winning time of 50:24. Great Britain’s Zoe Bäckstedt took the silver medal, 40 seconds behind, while Germany’s Franziska Koch completed the podium in third place at 45 seconds.
(ph. Getty Sport)
