Vallieres in disbelief after perfect preparation leads to World Championship stunt: "I’ve dreamed of this for so long"

In the flash interview, the new, smiling world champion's face was bursting with disbelief. “My teammates believed in me and that gave me a lot of confidence,” Vallieres begins. “I was determined to go for it. Besides, I had prepared well. I knew I was in good shape, so I just gave it a try. I didn't want to have any regrets, which of course I don't,” laughs the winner.

Vallieres took the initiative in the final and joined a strong leading group, excluding the absolute favorites, who were racing very cautiously. In the end, the Canadian was left with Niamh Fisher-Black and Mavi Garcia. On the cobbled climb, just before the finish, she skillfully dealt with her competitors.

"I had to go earlier," she says of her tactics. "Because I didn't see much chance against Fisher-Black in the sprint. She's just so strong. We were both committed to the breakaway. That made for excellent cooperation. However, I noticed that she was slowing down. I then said to myself, 'Now you have to give it your all.' I tried and succeeded. Yes, what else can I say... "

The world title is only Vallieres’ second victory. Her first victory was in 2024 in a race in Mallorca. "I can't believe it, really not...," says the happy Canadian. Next season, Vallieres will be able to defend her title in her own country. After all, the World Championships will be held in Montreal in 2026. “Winning in Africa is incredible, and with the next World Championships in Montreal, this is just amazing.”

“I've been dreaming about this for so long...” Vallieres continued. “The World Championships were also a big goal this year. I prepared very well at altitude. My coach and I had decided that this would be an important goal, and the team supported me in achieving it. Winning was a dream, and now it has become a reality. It's crazy.”