Slovenian Viktoria Chladonova claimed the rainbow jersey in the women’s U23 road race at the ongoing 2026 UCI Road World Championships after completing the 134km course in 3:49:10 on Tuesday. The women’s U23 road race was held as a standalone event for the second time, following last year’s inaugural edition in Kigali, when the UCI Road World Championships were staged for the first time on African soil. However, it was a difficult outing for Rwanda’s representatives, Jazilla Mwamikazi and Mariate Byukusenge, as both riders abandoned the race midway through the event. The race featured 10 laps of the main Montreal circuit, covering a total distance of 134km, which is 15km longer than last year’s race in Kigali, with more than 2,600 metres of elevation gain. ALSO READ: Okrucrinska wins Junior Women’s ITT, Akimana finishes 51st Chladonova, 19, crossed the finish line first, with Canadian Isabella Holmgren finishing alongside her without a time difference between the two riders. Belgium’s Fleur Moors completed the podium, crossing the line 33 seconds behind the champion. Of the 112 riders who started the race, only 65 managed to reach the finish line, while 47 abandoned the race. Attention now shifts to the men’s junior road race, which will also cover 134km. Rwanda will be represented by Jackson Nkurikiyinka, Brian Ishimwe and Jonathan Muhawenimana. Women’s U23 Road Race Results Viktoria Chladonova (Slovakia) – 3:49:10 Isabella Holmgren (Canada) Fleur Moors (Belgium) Mara Winter (Switzerland) Talia Appleton (United Kingdom)
