The 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal have been significantly reshaped by the absence of defending champion Tadej Pogačar, who is recovering from a crash during the Vuelta a España. (cyclingnews.com) This development has opened the field, allowing new contenders to emerge and vie for the coveted rainbow jersey.
Top Contenders
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel has solidified his status as a leading favorite. His recent victory at the Grand Prix de Québec, where he showcased his prowess by breaking away with Giulio Ciccone and Anton Charmig before clinching the win on the final climb, underscores his readiness for the World Championships. (cyclingweekly.com) Evenepoel is also targeting a fourth consecutive world time-trial title, aiming to further cement his legacy in the discipline.
Wout van Aert, also from Belgium, is another formidable contender. Despite narrowly missing out on previous world titles, his consistent performances position him as a strong candidate. The absence of Pogačar may provide van Aert with the opportunity to secure his first World Championship victory. (cyclingnews.com)
France’s Paul Seixas has emerged as a surprise contender. The 20-year-old from Lyon has demonstrated exceptional talent, finishing third in the time trial at the World Championships and securing a podium finish at the Grand Prix de Québec. His versatility and rapid development make him a rider to watch in the upcoming road race. (cyclingnews.com)
Potential Outsiders
Italy’s Giulio Ciccone is considered a potential outsider. The 31-year-old climber has shown strong form, including a second-place finish at the Grand Prix de Québec. Ciccone’s aggressive racing style and climbing abilities could make him a significant threat on the challenging Montréal course. (idlprocycling.com)
Mexico’s Isaac del Toro is another rider to watch. Despite a flatter and more technical course at the World Championships, del Toro delivered a steady performance, finishing sixth in the men’s elite time trial. His consistency and adaptability position him as a potential surprise in the road race. (cyclingnews.com)
Italian Team Prospects
The Italian team boasts a strong lineup with riders like Alberto Bettiol, Matteo Trentin, and Giulio Pellizzari, all bringing experience and tactical acumen. Giulio Pellizzari, fresh off a victory at the Giro di Toscana, enters the World Championships with confidence. Christian Scaroni’s unpredictable racing style makes him an ideal candidate for the course’s demands. Additionally, young talent Lorenzo Finn is set to make his World Championships debut, aiming to gain valuable experience and potentially surprise the competition.
Race Outlook
The Montréal course presents a challenging profile with over 4,300 meters of elevation gain, favoring climbers and aggressive racers. With Pogačar’s absence, the dynamics of the race are expected to shift, potentially leading to a more open and unpredictable contest. The Italian team, with its blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and contend for a podium finish.
As the World Championships approach, the absence of Pogačar has undeniably altered the competitive landscape, providing a platform for new champions to emerge and for established riders to seize the moment. Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling race in Montréal, where strategy, form, and resilience will be key to securing the rainbow jersey.
Highlights:
- ‘To practice and get better naturally’ – Isaac del Toro shows consistency in men’s elite time trial at Road World Championships despite flatter course, Published on Sunday, September 20
- The best riders who have never won at the Road World Championships – and who could change that in 2026, Published on Friday, September 18
- ‘A little too difficult for me’ – Mathieu van der Poel plays down his World Championships chances, Published on Thursday, September 17