On Thursday, it\u2019s a big day for Canadian cycling fans. Sure, the elite races on the weekend will be bangers\u2014including Saturday, where Sherbrooke, Que.\u2019s Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res Mill is set to defend her crown.<\/p>\n
But tomorrow, it could be a big day for the Canadian team.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a helluva course\u2014attrition will be a factor, as the 135-km race covers 10 laps and packs more than 2,600 m of elevation into the course. The repeated climb through the Camilien-Houde section should gradually wear down the field, and there should be small groups by the finish.<\/p>\n
Isabella Holmgren and Team Canada<\/p>\n
Isabella Holmgren\u2014six-time world champ in both cross and MTB\u2014is a clear favourite. The course suits the climber, who has shone this year racing amongst the elites. She has levelled up on the road since 2025, being in the mix with the big guns at races like the Tour de France Femmes, the Giro d\u2019Italia Women and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge.<\/p>\n
Why Isabella Holmgren is Canada\u2019s best hope for rainbow jersey in Montreal<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n She\u2019s got her sister Ava, who had a great TT earlier this week<\/a> and will be a great lieutenant, a super-domestique for her. Remember last year? She was bummed she couldn\u2019t be there for her twin as she was ill. But Canada could have a two-pronged approach to the race with another star climber, Sidney Swierenga, who has won her first elite stage race and has been phenomenal when it comes to climbing.<\/p>\n Alexandra Volstad 2nd as Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Could she maybe try a Magdeleine Valli\u00e8res Mill move and get up the road and fend off any chasers? Either way, Team Canada has two aces to play. The superstar squad also has Alexandra Volstad and Kiara Lylyk<\/a> there to mark moves. Both Volstad and Lylyk have also had awesome seasons.<\/p>\n Other contenders<\/p>\n France\u2019s team is led by Marion Bunel. Last year, her job was to help C\u00e9lia Gery. This year, she can ride for herself.<\/p>\n Felicity Wilson-Haffenden won the TT on Monday, but riders such as Paula Ostiz, Nienke Vinke and especially Cat Ferguson are worth watching.<\/p>\n