"I'm most proud of all the people my victory has inspired": Canada's first road world champion turns superstar overnight

2025 was not a season that has seen too many sensational winners, at least not on the men's part. However the situations was very different at women's side where the season started with breakaway win at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, then followed by somewhat shocking performances of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, to wrap up the season with an upset of all upsets at the World Championships in Kigali where Magdeleine Vallieres won.

Previously a contender for top-10 results with 14th at La Fleche Wallonne earlier this season and some honorable stage results at the Tour de France Femmes, Vallieres took the cycling world by storm in Kigali. Not only had the breakaway outsmarted all big favourites, Vallieres was stronger even than her more experienced companions and rivals such as Niamh Fisher-Black or Mavi García.

Now with a bit of a distance and a rainbow jersey in her wardrobe, Vallieres talked extensively to her team EF Education-Oatly about pretty much everything, including her emotions of the victory, the new perception, and goals for the rest of the career.

"When I crossed the finish line in Rwanda, I really didn't know what to do. I thought to myself: Should I cheer now? Do I even have time? In my head, I just thought: Okay, I have to do something to celebrate now. So I just raised my arm because I was so shocked by what was happening. I was so emotional. Alison (Jackson, ed.) later told me my victory gesture was good, so that was a relief."

Before Kigali, Vallieres was already a decent enough professional, however most wouldn't recognize her walking down the street. That has changed after her triumph and the 24-year-old is still getting used to all the attention, although it did bring some positive things as well.

"I'm not used to this attention at all. I really didn't realize it would be such a big deal. That my victory would have such an impact on other people. I've received so many wonderful messages from Canada, including from young riders who now see that it's possible for a Canadian to become world champion and are therefore believing more in themselves. That's what I'm most proud of: that it's possible to inspire people through cycling."

The Canadian also answers questions about her greatest weakness and fear. "My biggest weakness is probably that I don't really have much confidence in myself. I'm also afraid of disappointing people. I think that's changing, with all the trust and support I have from everyone around me."

Vallieres isn't looking ahead to the new season too much yet. She is, however, clear about her bucket list. "I want to win an Ardennes classic one day," she concludes.