This Sunday’s World Championships road race in Montreal promises to be one of the most open in years, with two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar not on the start line. His absence, and a course suited to a wider range of riders than some in recent years, means any number could claim the coveted world champion’s rainbow jersey.
Among their number is Britain’s Tom Pidcock, co-leader of a strong squad alongside veteran Adam Yates. Pidcock is no stranger to rainbow stripes, having won world titles in cyclo-cross and on the mountain bike – including winning a second mountain bike cross-country crown just last month. But a world title on the road would trump every other victory in his career, and make him the first man ever to be world champion in all three disciplines.
