The road race program at Montréal 2026 opened with the Women U23 event. On the schedule were 10 laps of the World circuit featuring three short climbs, including Voie Camillien-Houde (1.8 km at 8%).
An early crash put Megan Arens out of contention. The first breakaway of the day launched at the end of the second lap with Ungerová and Aintila, later joined by Kvasničkova. Entering the final 80 km, with the leaders' advantage floating around two minutes, the top national teams began making moves with attacks and high-tempo driving. Australia was particularly active, animated by time trial gold medalist Wilson-Haffenden.
During the eighth lap, the Canadian national team upped the pace, reeling in the breakaway and shattering the peloton. The decisive move came at 30 km to go, launched by Viktória Chladoňová, followed by Isabella Holmgren and Fleur Moors. On the final passage over Voie Camillien-Houde, the home favorite forced again and dropped the Belgian rider. Over the following short climbs Holmgren repeatedly tried to break clear of Chladoňová as well but in vain.
The race culminated in a two-rider sprint, where the Slovakian used her superior punch to claim the gold medal, improving on her runner-up finish from 12 months ago. Bronze went to Moors who, despite being caught by the chasing group, won the sprint for 3rd place ahead of the surprising Mara Winter and Talia Appleton.