World Championships time trial sees Remco Evenepoel and Marlen Reusser as top favorites

The first stage of the World Championships time trial began on Avenue du Parc, taking competitors across the Saint Lawrence River to the Formula 1 Gilles-Villeneuve circuit and back toward Old Montreal, ending with a modest climb at Parc Jeanne-Mance. With just 220 metres of elevation gain, the course is expected to benefit pure time-trial specialists. In the men's race, Remco Evenepoel is the clear favorite to claim a fourth title in as many years, a feat not previously achieved consecutively.

His main challengers include Filippo Ganna, Stefan Küng, and emerging talent Callum Thornley, while French riders Paul Seixas and Bruno Armirail also aim for podium spots. On the women's side, Swiss rider Marlen Reusser seeks to defend her crown, facing competition from Dutch rider Demi Vollering and British rider Zoe Backsted, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky feels the route does not suit her strengths.