Worlds teammate rivalries will add a sharp edge in Montreal, where trade-team allies line up against each other for national squads at the UCI Road World Championships.
The event highlights one of cycling’s strangest tensions. Riders spend most of the season working inside trade teams, then race for their countries with one rainbow jersey at stake.
That format often creates pressure inside traditional cycling powers. It also creates immediate, visible duels between riders who usually share plans, radios, and responsibilities.
Worlds teammate rivalries on the national-team stage
The men’s and women’s elite races bring several compelling matchups. Some involve riders who recently helped each other win. Others feature teammates already linked by transfer news or internal tension.
In Montreal, those relationships could matter as much as form. Familiarity can help a rider read an attack. It can also reveal exactly when not to wait.
McNulty and Del Toro swap roles after GP Montreal
McNulty and Del Toro raced together for UAE Team Emirates at the GP Montreal two weeks ago. This time, they meet as opponents.
The recent dress rehearsal showed how dangerous both can be on this terrain. McNulty attacked first, before Del Toro finished the move by sprinting around Paul Seixas for the victory.
McNulty may ride more defensively at Worlds if a strong American teammate moves early. That could save energy for a later confrontation with Del Toro.
He also knows the risk. McNulty has acknowledged that Del Toro’s sprint is a major problem for him. He has also seen the Mexican kick him off the wheel more than once.
Gery faces Vollering after Tour de France Femmes debate
Gery and Vollering arrive with another layer of recent context. Their FDJ United-Suez roles drew debate at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
That moment involved Gery helping slow Kasia Niewiadoma before Vollering launched an attack. In Montreal, Gery and Vollering will race on opposing national teams.
Vollering may still enter as the favorite. Gery, though, has built an impressive season as both a reliable domestique and a winner.
The course also suits Gery’s strengths. Punchy racing, short climbs, attacking instincts, and sprint power after descents all fit her profile.
Any tactical battle should still have clear limits. Riders know they will return to trade-team loyalties after Worlds, and safety remains non-negotiable.
Vacek tests Pedersen’s classic-style power
Mathias Vacek and Mads Pedersen offer one of the most balanced trade-team duels. Both Lidl-Trek riders have classic-style power and climb better than their size suggests.
The decisive difference remains finishing speed. Pedersen, this year’s green jersey winner, ranks among the WorldTour’s fastest versatile sprinters.
Vacek does not have that same sprinting record. The all-rounder has 11 total victories, including the overall title at the ZLM Tour earlier this year.
Montreal could give Vacek rare freedom against his usual leader. With form, opportunity, and a suitable route, he has reason to race boldly.
Blasi and Longo Borghini bring UAE intrigue
Paula Blasi and Elisa Longo Borghini have already been linked by talk of tension inside their trade team. Longo Borghini said during the Tour de France Femmes that reports of UAE bus unrest were overstated.
Blasi’s rapid rise has changed her standing quickly. The young Spaniard will switch teams in the off-season, but Worlds comes first.
Montreal gives Blasi a national team built around her ambitions on a course that suits her fairly well. Longo Borghini receives a similar chance with Italy.
Both may need comparable tactics. Neither wants to wait with faster finishers, so an early move or breakaway could suit both.
Evenepoel and Finn preview a future team dynamic
Remco Evenepoel and Lorenzo Finn are not trade teammates yet. That will change next year, when the 2025 U23 world champion joins Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe with his Tour de l’Avenir title.
From 2027, Finn projects as an intriguing foil for Evenepoel as the team adds more young talent. Worlds offers their first major test as rivals.
Evenepoel remains the Belgian favorite. Still, Finn’s record demands respect after two rainbow jerseys in two years, starting with the junior title in 2024 and continuing at U23 level last year.
A rainbow jersey looks unlikely for Finn this time. Yet the Montreal course has already appeared less predictable than it seems on paper.
That uncertainty defines the weekend. For one race, teammates become obstacles, and the rainbow jersey rewards only one rider.
Related Cycle Nation stories
- Ashlin Barry Turns Solo Gamble Into U23 World Title
- Demi Vollering leads unified Dutch challenge at Montréal Worlds
- Pogačar Absence Opens Montreal Worlds Race for Evenepoel, Van der Poel and Rising Stars
- U23 and junior world champions trace varied paths to the WorldTour
- Benoot tips Van Aert Worlds bid in Montréal