Reusser defends time trial title on birthday in Montreal

Marlen Reusser of Switzerland defended her women's elite individual time trial world title on her 35th birthday at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal on Sunday. The Swiss rider completed the 39.2-kilometer course in 50 minutes, 24.44 seconds, securing her second consecutive rainbow jersey. Great Britain's Zoe Backstedt claimed silver, finishing 40.11 seconds behind Reusser, while Germany's Franziska Koch took bronze, 45.54 seconds adrift. The race marked a significant achievement for Backstedt, who opted to compete in the elite category instead of defending her under-23 world title. Reusser's victory was characterized by a strategic comeback. She trailed Backstedt at the first two intermediate time checks but overtook the British rider in the final section of the race. According to reports, Reusser gained substantial time in the closing kilometers, ultimately finishing with a comfortable margin. The course wound through Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, crossing the Samuel De Champlain Bridge and passing through Circuit Gilles Villeneuve before an uphill finish in Old Montreal.