Australian Felicity Wilson-Haffenden claimed the U23 Women’s Individual Time Trial (ITT) title at the ongoing 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, Canada, clocking 27 minutes and 40.72 seconds over the 20.3km course on Monday. The 21-year-old rider finished 3 minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Rwanda’s Jazilla Mwamikazi, who was the best-placed Rwandan rider after finishing 39th among 52 competitors. The championships are being held in Montréal following last year’s edition in Kigali. The U23 women’s time trial was held without defending champion Zoe Bäckstedt of Great Britain, who opted to compete in the elite women’s time trial instead. ALSO READ: Rwanda sends 14-rider team to Montreal Worlds The race started on Avenue du Parc, one of central Montréal’s major streets, before winding its way to a demanding finish at Jeanne-Mance Park, where Haffenden secured the world title. Haffenden was followed by Netherlands’ Nienke Vinke and Belgium’s Luca Vierstraete, who completed the podium. Vinke finished 48 seconds behind the Australian, while Vierstraete crossed the line in third. Besides Mwamikazi, Rwanda was also represented by Mariate Byukusenge, who finished 43rd in 32 minutes and 59.60 seconds, 5 minutes and 19 seconds behind the winner. The championships continue on Tuesday with the Mixed Relay Team Time Trial over 40.6km, followed by the men’s Junior ITT over 20.3km and the women’s Junior ITT over 10.7km. Rwanda will be represented in the junior events by Brian Ishimwe and Pacifique Byusa in the men’s category, while Donatha Akimana and Yvonne Masengesho will compete in the women’s category. Women’s U23 ITT results Felicity Wilson-Haffenden (Australia) — 27:40.72 Nienke Vinke (Netherlands) Luca Vierstraete (Belgium) Viktória Chladoňová (Slovenia) Mackenzie Coupland (Australia)
