What. A. Day.
Magdeleine Vallières made history on Saturday, becoming the first elite Canadian rider to win the world road championships. Only four times in history have Canadians medalled at the worlds in the road race – Steve Bauer, Alison Sydor, Linda Jackson and Michael Woods – but none have landed the coveted rainbow jersey.
“I’ve been dreaming about it for a while now, it was my dream to win it,” the Sherbrooke, Que. rider said. “I guess it’s true now!”
Magdeleine Vallières just broke a record held by Tadej Pogačar
And what a way to win, with absolute panache. Toward the end of the 164.6-km course she launched from a three-rider breakaway, dropping New Zealand’s Niamh Fisher-Black and Spain’s Mavi García. Then she motored alone to the finish, stopping the clock in four hours 34 minutes 48 seconds. Fisher-Black crossed 23 seconds later, with García third, 27 seconds down.
Here are some of the memorable moments of her fantastic day in Kigali, Rwanda:
1. Her attack
It was clear all day she was feeling good. But as the finale approached, the Canadian knew there was one option for the win – the final climb on the Côte de Kimihurara. The 1.3-km hill to the finish suited her – the cobbled climb, which averaged 6 per cent, was tailor-made for Vallières, who has shown her punchy power on similar climbs earlier in the year. Sure, it was only her second pro win, but those who have followed her know she excels on that sort of ramp.
“I knew I probably wouldn’t win in a sprint against Niamh because she’s so strong and we were both really committed to this break, working so hard.”
Watch her go.
2. Her victory salute
And then when she crosses the line. Even though before the race she was fully committed to a big win, there is still a moment of disbelief knowing her huge goal had become a reality.
“The girls believed in me, so I believed in myself,” she added. “It was my dream to win it, and it’s true now.”
3. The podium
Unless you’re Isabella Holmgren, who has won about 1,500 rainbow jerseys, the podium procedure is new to most people at the world championships. When Vallières tried to take a selfie with the other women, UCI’s David Lappartient had to step in to make sure the protocols – including the winner receiving a TISSOT watch – were followed properly. It’s not every day you hear the national anthem play for you either, and the EF…
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