World champion Magdeleine Vallieres has offered a remarkably open and thoughtful reflection on her breakout 2025 season, admitting that the months since her stunning victory in Rwanda have been both surreal and transformative. In a detailed Q&A published by EF Education-Oatly, the 23-year-old Canadian discussed the pressure of sudden fame, her struggle with self-belief, and the pride she feels in inspiring a new generation of riders.
A world title that changed everything
Vallieres recalls that the magnitude of her win in Kigali didn’t hit immediately. Crossing the line, she was overwhelmed and almost paralysed by the moment.
“When I crossed the finish line in Rwanda, I honestly didn’t know what to do. I thought to myself: should I celebrate now? Do I even have time for that? In my head I was thinking, ok, I need to do some kind of victory gesture. So I just put my arm up because I was in such shock. I had so many emotions. Alison later told me that my celebration was good, so that was a relief.”
That improvised celebration became a symbol of a victory that resonated far wider than she ever anticipated.
Back home in Canada, the response was overwhelming.
“I wasn’t prepared for how big it would be. I didn’t realise my win would have so much impact on other people. I’ve received so many beautiful messages, especially from young riders who now see that it’s possible for a Canadian to become world champion and who believe in themselves a bit more because of it. That’s what I’m most proud of: that cycling can inspire people.”
Learning to handle the spotlight
While Vallieres is proud of her achievement, she admits the sudden attention has felt strange and sometimes uncomfortable.
“It’s so weird. I still try to hide a little bit because it all feels so strange.”
She describes herself as someone who has never been at the centre of attention, and adapting to her new status has been one of the biggest challenges since donning the rainbow jersey.
Vulnerability behind the champion
The interview reveals the vulnerability of a rider whose racing suggests a far more assertive personality. When asked about her greatest weakness, Vallieres didn’t hesitate.
“My biggest weakness is probably that I don’t really have much confidence in myself. I’m also scared of disappointing people.”
It’s a striking contrast to the rider who attacked fearlessly in Rwanda, but she says things are beginning to shift.
“I think that’s changing, with all the confidence and support I have from the people around me.”
Looking ahead, with a clear dream
Vallieres isn’t making bold predictions for 2026 just yet, but one target features prominently on her long-term wish list.
“One day I want to win an Ardennes Classic.”
Given the composure and maturity she displayed on her way to the world title, it’s a goal that feels entirely within reach.
Vallieres may still be growing into the attention and responsibility that accompany the rainbow jersey, but her honesty offers a rare glimpse into a young champion learning to navigate a new reality. If 2025 was the year she surprised herself, 2026 could be the season she discovers the full extent of her talent and rising self-belief.
