OTTAWA, ON (September 24, 2026) – Isabella Holmgren, the multi-discipline superstar from Orillia, Ontario, captures Team Canada’s first medal at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. Her historic performance is also Canada’s first-ever medal in the Women’s U23 World Championship road race.
After 134 km and 2,690 m of climbing on the famous Montreal circuit, it came down to a sprint finish between Holmgren and Slovakia’s Viktória Chladoňová, with the Canadian claiming second in the furious battle up to the finish line. Isabella was the main protagonist of the lead group, with her attacks on the Camillien Houde climb, distilling the lead group of three down to the final two who would contest the sprint for the win.
“I was happy that the race was getting harder, and when I saw that Vicky went I knew that I had to follow because she is a strong rider. The three of us working together was really good, so it was a strong group and I knew I needed to be there,” says Holmgren.
Her performance caps off an amazing road race for Canada’s U23 women. The team showcased fantastic teamwork, using their strength to protect Isabella and culling the peloton down to a select group early on.
Sidney Swierenga of Vancouver, British Columbia, was amongst that select group. The BC based, climber was essential to the team’s performance. In her element when the slopes point upward, she was ever-present in the peloton, supporting the team’s efforts and ultimately was rewarded with an impressive 8th place in today’s race.
The maple leaf was on full display throughout the race in our first home road world championships since Hamilton in 2003. It’s a moment the entire cycling community can be proud of and just the start to a great weekend of road races in Montreal.
For complete results and more information please head over to the Montreal 2026 website.
