Pidcock and Backstedt Power GB's Road World Challenge

Great Britain's Cycling Ambition

As the cycling world turns its attention to Montreal this September, Great Britain is preparing to unleash a powerhouse lineup led by two of its brightest stars: Tom Pidcock and Zoe Backstedt. These athletes will spearhead the nation's bid for glory at the 2026 Road World Championships, with the BBC offering live coverage across its platforms.

"This squad showcases the very best of British road racing, at a time when more British riders are making their mark across Europe and on the wider international stage than ever before." — Stephen Park, Performance Director for British Cycling

The championships, taking place from September 20-27 in Montreal, Canada, will feature both road race and time trial events. For British fans, this is more than just another cycling fixture—it's a moment of national pride, strategy, and raw determination.

What Makes This Year Special?

For the first time in years, GB has a real shot at capturing gold in the men's road race. The absence of Tadej Pogacar, who has dominated the discipline for the past two seasons, opens up the field—particularly for British talent like Pidcock, who has already proven his mettle across multiple major races.

Pogacar's decision to withdraw due to injury following a crash at the Vuelta a España means that the path is clearer for those who have been working tirelessly to close the gap. And with the likes of Tom Pidcock leading the charge, there's renewed confidence in our team's ability to go toe-to-toe with cycling's elite.

Backstedt's Rise to the Elite

On the women's side, Zoe Backstedt enters the championships as one of Britain's top contenders. After winning last year's Under-23 time trial title, she's stepping up into the elite category with both skill and experience behind her. Her presence is a sign of how British cycling is developing its next generation of world-class athletes.

Joining Backstedt in the time trials will be Anna Henderson, who earned silver in the Olympic time trial in Paris. Together, they represent Britain's best hopes for success in Montreal's challenging time trial courses.

Men's Time Trial: A Showdown of Speed

The men's time trial is where speed and precision meet—rider after rider takes off at one-minute intervals, racing against the clock. Ethan Hayter leads this charge for GB, having recently come close to victory in the opening stage of the Vuelta a España, narrowly missing out by just 0.09 seconds to Pogacar.

Hayter is joined by Callum Thornley and other rising stars in what promises to be an intense battle. But even with strong British contenders, defending champion Remco Evenepoel of Belgium remains the man to beat in this discipline.

Full Squad Breakdown

British Cycling's squad for the Road Worlds is packed with talent across all age groups:

• Elite Women: Zoe Backstedt, Lauren Dickson, Pfeiffer Georgi, Anna Henderson, Anna Morris, Flora Perkins, Alice Towers
• Elite Men: Mark Donovan, Ethan Hayter, Oscar Onley, Finlay Pickering, Tom Pidcock, James Shaw, Callum Thornley, Fred Wright, Adam Yates
• U23 Men: Jacob Bush, Mattie Dodd, Elliot Rowe, Will Smith, Ben Wiggins
• U23 Women: Cat Ferguson, Abi Miller, Awen Roberts, Imogen Wolff, Morven Yeoman
• Junior Women: Aalia Clay, Peggy Knox, Gabriella McHugh, Zoe Roche, Melanie Rowe
• Junior Men: Leon Atkins, Gus Dutton, Finlay Storrie, Dexter Townsend, Evander Wishart

BBC Coverage: Don't Miss a Moment

The BBC is offering full live coverage of the 2026 Road World Championships. Here's how to catch every race:

1. Sunday, September 20: Women's Time Trial (14:00-16:45 BST on BBC Two); Men's Time Trial (17:30-20:45 BST on BBC Three)
2. Saturday, September 26: Women's Road Race (14:00-19:30 BST)
3. Sunday, September 27: Men's Road Race (14:00-21:00 BST on BBC Three)

Whether you're watching from the couch or cheering from the sidelines, the BBC's coverage ensures you won't miss a single heartbeat of the action.

Why This Matters for British Cycling

The Road World Championships are not just about one race or one athlete—it's a reflection of the strength, depth, and growing influence of British cycling. We're seeing more British riders competing at the highest level than ever before, with athletes like Pidcock and Backstedt becoming global icons in their own right.

This year's squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, showing that British cycling isn't just building champions—it's building a legacy. With each race, each sprint, and each podium moment, we're witnessing the rise of a new era of British excellence on the world stage.

Final Thoughts: A Battle for Glory

As the 2026 Road World Championships draw near, I can't help but feel an electric energy building across the cycling community. This is where dreams become reality, where years of training and dedication are put to the test. For Tom Pidcock, Zoe Backstedt, and the entire GB squad, this is their moment.

Let's get behind them. Let's cheer them on. Because in the world of cycling, every second counts—and I have a feeling that Montreal won't be short on unforgettable moments.