This year, for the first time ever, the under-23 women will have their own road race and time trial at the Road World Championships. Until recently, there wasn't a separate U23 title for women at all, but at the last three Worlds, rainbow jerseys have been awarded to the best U23 finisher in the elite women's races.
In 2025, however, after a long wait, there is finally no longer a 'race within a race', with the under-23 women receiving their own separate races, at separate distances, and – most importantly – with separate teams, so nations can send dedicated under-23 squads.
