Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot has been here before. The French rider became world road champion in 2014 and, a decade later, remains the rider many consider the favourite.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel good, but I don\u2019t know if I will be the strongest,\u201d she said to Sporza<\/a> said at the start line Friday. The 32-year-old has already delivered marquee victories in 2025. She Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes to her palmar\u00e8s. A third triumph \u2014 another world title on the rolling streets of Kigali \u2014 would mark the defining moment of her campaign.<\/p>\n Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot acknowledged that her lead-in was not without challenges. \u201cI was very good in the Tour. But after that there was a very busy period. I trained, but my recovery was different than before the Tour,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The course offers no easy ride, with more than 3,300 m of climbing packed into short, punishing ascents. \u201cThat\u2019s a lot, but it doesn\u2019t seem like it when you ride on the track,\u201d she said. \u201cThe climbs are short, but at the end it will be tough. Personally, I have to remain patient.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the defending champion Lotte Kopecky will not be there. But riders like Demi Vollering, Kim Le Court and new TT champion Marlen Reusser will be. Canada has a strong contingent in Rwanda.<\/p>\n The Canadian lineup for the elite women\u2019s road race features Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res,<\/a> Laury Milette, Alison Jackson, \u00c9milie Fortin and Olivia Baril. Jackson, Milette and Fortin are expected to be active in the early moves, with the experienced Jackson likely to play a key role. But on a course this demanding, Baril and Valli\u00e8res look best suited to lead Canada\u2019s challenge thanks to their climbing strength.<\/p>\n