Ben Healy's watts in Montreal ahead of the World Championships - Inside the Irishman's power as he bids to upset the odds
CyclingFriday, 25 September 2026 at 14:45
An inside look into Ben Healy's power data showed the phenomenal strength of the Irishman at the GP de Montreal on September 13th. Attacking from the peloton, he went solo with 20 kilometres to go before being caught by the favourites.
Paul Seixas's final lap attack saw him and Isaac del Toro lead the race into the finale before the UAE Team Emirates- XRG rider took the win in a sprint to the finish line.
In a dress rehearsal for the rainbow jersey race, the Irishman seemed to be coming into form at exactly the right time as he demonstrated similar form to his performance at last year's World Championships that saw him take the bronze medal.
The analysis of his GP de Montreal showed that Healy recorded 334 watts of normalised power over five hours and 13 minutes, spending 70 minutes above his functional threshold power.
Ben Healy
World Championships course set to be longer
With the World Championships course offering an additional hour of racing, despite slightly less by ways of elevation gain, it is set to offer a slightly more challenging course and one that could suit Healy well.
In longer races, the Irish rider has demonstrated that he comes into his own when other riders seemingly fade, and his numbers from Montreal reflect just that.
With the Ireland National Team, Healy has full leadership and three riders in support. Jamie Meehan, Ryan Mullen and EF Education-Easy-Post teammate Darren Rafferty make up the team's selection.
Healy suited to a harder race
EF Pro Cycling’s technical innovation strategist Jacob Tipper believes that Healy is capable of more than his Montreal performance, given that he will have two weeks of training under his belt.
“Worlds is normally a durability race, which is why it tends to favour certain riders well. It will be interesting to see what the influence of the increased length with less climbing at the Worlds is going to be,” Tipper said.
“Ben should be in a better place. He’ll be less affected by jet lag with some more good training in his legs.”
Read also
Remco Evenepoel is the big favourite in Montreal, but faces stern competition in Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro as the main riders to beat. However, multiple nations and riders come to upset the odds, including Healy.
Tom Pidcock leads the Great Britian team, Mathieu van der Poel fronts the Dutch challenge while the USA, Italy, Australia and others bring multiple leaders and strategies likely to put pressure on Belgium and France during the race.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Why single out the Belgians as a bad example? Why not single out who did it smartly for the others to learn from, or better still, explain to EVERYONE how to do it because obviously nobody knows, then hope nobody actually tries so you don’t have to explain what they now did wrong.Jumpyjohn25-09-2026
- My question is always whether he can have a productive temper tantrum rather than a petty one. He seems to get super powers when he has them, but he loses so much time and energy having them that he has to catch up. Imagine him using one to lead instead. Without Pogačar there, his string of (angry chasing) second places could end. I doubt it will happen, but I keep waiting for it to happen!RidesHills25-09-2026
- "I did some VAM efforts at 2,500 meters for the first time ever", Is his coach even properly training him for a GT?abstractengineer25-09-2026
- I want him to blow up and then cause drama, He will blame WVA, the team, coach, the other riders, mechanics, bike, sun sky, road, all except himself.abstractengineer25-09-2026
- Sepp Kussabstractengineer25-09-2026
- Yeah it's quite unique in sport I think, to have so many distinctions on jerseys for past achievements. Even the stickers on the race numbers for stage wins. I like it. I kind of wish they had more, so former winners of GTs or Monuments had something to mark it on their kit.wrsty25-09-2026
- In america your orange orangutan is giving health updates about american cyclists. Trump has become the new "Chuck Norris" LOL !PogiSloFans25-09-2026
- Quinn Simmons is a very talented rider but he is not the sharpest knife in the draw. Much to "Gung Ho" typical Yank.
Senna196025-09-2026 - Yeah, but in the eyes of the worlds’ great saviours, some people are worthless except for their consumer value. I have yet to see a country going to another with arms to do selfless good.Jumpyjohn25-09-2026
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