Magdeleine Vallieres Reflects on Shock World Win
From Outsider too Icon: Vallieres Stuns Cycling World in Kigali
KIGALI, Rwanda - In a moment that will be etched in cycling history, Canada’s Magdeleine Vallieres defied expectations and conquered the elite women’s road race at the UCI Cycling World Championships in kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The 24-year-old climbing specialist, a dedicated team player for EF Education-Oatly, transformed from a perceived outsider into a world champion, leaving cycling giants in her wake.
The Kigali course, notorious for its grueling climbs and tactical complexities, was widely anticipated to favor seasoned champions like Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (France), Demi Vollering (Netherlands), and Kasia Niewiadoma (Poland). However, these powerhouses found themselves ensnared in a strategic quagmire, along with other top contenders such as time trial world champion Marlen Reusser (Switzerland), Kim le Court (Mauritius), and Elisa Longo-Borghini (Italy). They crossed the finish line over a minute and a half behind the leaders, left to dissect what went wrong on this unforgiving course.
While the favorites faltered,Vallieres,alongside Niamh Fisher-Black (New Zealand) and Mavi García (Spain),executed a flawless tactical masterclass. the trio broke away from the pack, showcasing both their individual strength and strategic acumen, ultimately battling it out for the coveted medals. vallieres surged ahead in the final stretch,claiming gold,followed by Fisher-Black and García.
“The girls believed in me, so I believed in myself,” a visibly stunned Vallieres shared after her victory. “I really committed to going for it. I prepared well, I knew I was on good form. I told myself I didn’t want to have any regrets, and I don’t.”
Vallieres’ journey to the rainbow jersey is a testament to dedication and unwavering self-belief. Since turning professional in 2022 with the EF education program, she has been a valued member, known for her climbing prowess and selfless support of her teammates. While she had only one previous victory to her name – the 2024 Trofeo Palma femina – Vallieres harbored a deep-seated belief in her potential, fueled by a rigorous training regime.
“I have been dreaming about it for a while now,” she revealed. “It was a big goal of mine this year. I prepared really well for it, I did altitude with my coach. we knew this would be a big goal and then with the team, we focused on it. It was my dream to win it, and I guess it is true now. It is crazy.”
Vallieres’ victory in Kigali is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a symbol of the unpredictable nature of cycling and the power of believing in oneself,even when the odds seem insurmountable. as she dons the rainbow jersey, Magdeleine Vallieres inspires a new generation of cyclists to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem. The cycling world has a new star, and her name is Magdeleine Vallieres.