The World Championship often transforms into the most unpredictable race of all, and in Africa, the world race saw Canadian Magdeleine Vallières emerge victorious. The twenty-four-year-old, who races in the World Tour with EF Educational Oatly, beat all the favorites in Kigali, including Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and our Elisa Longo Borghini.

"The girls believed in me, so I believed in myself," Magdeleine Vallières said through tears. "I knew I wouldn't win in a sprint. I saw the others were losing ground and told myself I had to go. It's incredible, I still can't believe it." There were hugs with teammates and tears of joy, followed by congratulations from International Cycling Union President David Lappartient and Prince Albert of Monaco.

In the final stages of the race, Vallières, along with New Zealander Fisher-Black and Spanish rider Garcia, managed to break away, leaving favorites like Vollering and Longo Borghini in pursuit. On the final climb of the Côte de Kimihurura, Vallières launched a decisive attack, setting the stage for a truly exciting finish.

"In these months, I worked hard on my form because I wanted to arrive at this event in the best condition. So I simply tried and told myself that I didn't want to have any regrets." Magdeleine Vallières will have no regrets, as she has written an important sporting page for her Canada, which will host the World Championships in Montreal next year.

"I knew I probably wouldn't win in a sprint against Niamh Fisher-Black because she's so strong. We were both very tired because we had worked really hard in this breakaway. When I saw she was giving way a bit, I told myself I just had to give my all and try. I kept telling myself I had to push to the end on the last climb, knowing Niamh Fisher-Black would be dangerous because she's clearly the best climber."

New Zealander Fisher-Black had to settle for the silver medal, while Spanish rider Mavi Garcia, almost 41 years old, won an incredible bronze medal.

"My coach and I knew this would be a big goal, but that it would be within my reach, and then with the team we started to convince ourselves it was possible. Before it was a dream, now it's reality. I'm the World Champion and I can't believe it. Don't misunderstand me because I still have to process everything, but it's crazy."

Before racing with EF Educational, Vallières arrived in Europe in 2020 and, thanks to the UCI development center in Aigle, was able to become a professional cyclist.

"Becoming a world champion was a dream for me, but sometimes life is so unpredictable and there are so many strong girls that you don't always succeed. I think I found myself in the right position. I was practically in the right place at the right time throughout the entire race. Yes, I was exactly where I needed to be."

Before the start of the race in Kigali, Magdeleine Vallières had spoken about her desires and how the course was suited to an athlete like her.

"The course was suitable for me, but this is the World Championship and I expected some surprises. This world championship required some people to take more time to adapt to the climate and altitude. I heard people complaining about vaccinations. They're not used to racing in other countries under different conditions, but I found it interesting and my body is clearly used to handling the heat. I feel good and I came here with only victory in mind."