Magdeleine Vallières Mill had been waiting for this day for a year, but the Quebec native ultimately did not get the chance to defend her rainbow jersey. The 25-year-old athlete was involved in a major crash involving 15 riders with 94 km remaining on the Montreal circuit on Saturday during the women’s elite road race at the Road World Championships. It was the Dutch rider Domi Vollering, who set the pace 38 km from the finish on the Camillien-Houde climb, who took over with panache from Vallières Mill—who was forced to withdraw—after a race lasting 4 hours, 45 minutes, and covering 180 km. Vollering edged out Poland’s Kasia Niewiadoma in a thrilling sprint at the foot of Mount Royal. Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini took third place, four seconds behind. “I still can’t believe it. I worked so hard to get here,” said an emotional Vollering after being crowned world champion for the first time in her career. “The (Dutch) girls worked so hard for me, even though they could have tried their luck too. I couldn’t not win for them. I’m proud to have been part of such a race.” This was by no means the first time Niewiadoma and Vollering had faced off. The two riders are often neck and neck in the most prestigious races, year after year. “I think this is one of the best races in the history of our rivalry,’ Vollering admitted. ”It was interesting and exciting right up to the very end for the spectators, who were really loud. They also helped make it a great show.” “It’s one of the toughest races of my life,” added Niewiadoma. “The course is difficult, and I really gave it my all—I couldn’t have pushed any harder. I’m very happy to have been part of such a spectacular event for women’s cycling.” Longo Borghini also played a key role in the race. The 34-year-old Italian attacked just before the final lap and managed to break away. However, she was caught by Vollering and Niewiadoma just before the summit of Camillien-Houde. “I tried to win, since I had nothing else on my mind but the rainbow jersey,” she explained. “I believed I could do it after attacking, but I started getting cramps on the climb and slowed down so I wouldn’t burn out before the end. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to hang on to them when they passed me.” Sarah Van Dam and Nadia Gontova were the only two Canadians to cross the finish line, finishing 17th and 41st, respectively, 8:34 and 15:33 behind Vollering. A violent crash Vallières Mill got back on her bike to chase down the pack alongside her teammate Adèle Normand after her crash, but the two cyclists ultimately gave up with five laps to go. “When I saw that “Mag” was on the ground, I no longer had a job to do for the team, personally,’ said Normand. “I stopped and tried to bring her back, but it wasn’t possible—she fell very, very hard.” The Sherbrooke native still waved to the crowd with a smile as she crossed the finish line of the Montreal circuit one last time. The crash took its toll. There was a lot of blood visible on Vallières Mill’s right thigh and right elbow. She headed to the medical tent after withdrawing from the race and did not speak with reporters. However, the Quebec native posted a message on social media that evening in which she mentioned that she had no broken bones but was at risk of a concussion. “A big thank you to everyone who was there today,” she wrote. “Just a quick note to let you know that I’m okay and nothing is broken. Sorry if I don’t reply to your kind messages—given the risk of a concussion, I’m taking a short break from social media.” Vallières Mill seemed dazed after her crash, but Sébastien Travers, Cycling Canada’s head of high-performance sports, assured that the concussion protocol was followed before she returned to the course for two more laps. “During the crash, Nigel Ellsaya (the national team coach) conducted the concussion assessments, and she was given the green light to resume the race.” Spain’s Paula Blasi, who was one of the favorites to reach the podium, and Norway’s Sigrid Ytterhus Haugseta, who had won a solo stage at the last Tour de France, also withdrew after crashing at the same spot. “When the race entered the circuit, it was crazy,” Blasi lamented in an interview with Cyclingnews. “The riders were taking too many risks.” Also involved in this major crash, Sweden’s Caroline Andersson lay motionless on the ground for a long time before being transported to the hospital. The president of the Swedish Cycling Federation, Thomas Backteman, said that Andersson was conscious and receiving medical care, noting that she appeared able to move her arms and legs. However, the exact nature of her injuries is not yet known. Quebec’s Olivia Baril, who was competing in the final race of her career, exited the course at the same time as her compatriot Alison Jackson, with three laps remaining. “I’m happy; I enjoyed my last lap—everyone was cheering me on,” said Baril, visibly moved. “I savored every moment. I saw friends I hadn’t seen in 10 years. I’m proud (of my career).” This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 27, 2026.
