270 kilometers through the city of Wollongong
Australians will watch an epic chase as the World Championships cross the Wollongong streets near Sydney. The route stretches to 270 kilometers with more than 200 kilometers riding on the urban circuit. It unfolds through the South Coast city in New South Wales, featuring a 17-kilometer loop that demands twelve laps and a brutal Mount Pleasant wall. The ascent rises with 7.7 percent on average and sections hitting 17 percent, testing every rider’s limits as the clock winds down toward the final kilometer.
Before the finish, competitors must tackle a tougher climb, Mount Keira. It appears around kilometer 41.9, an eight-point-seven kilometer grind at five percent with ramps up to fifteen percent. The peak sits at 41.9 kilometers, meaning athletes will already be deep into the race when the ascent arrives. Analysts expect the decisive move to emerge on the final approach to Pleasant, where the finish line awaits the strongest and most strategic rider.
Though Belgium and France loom as the core contenders, a broad field adds depth to the battle. Belgium brings a potent pairing in Vout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel, while France counters with a squad led by the world champion from the past two seasons, a group that includes Alaphilippe alongside stalwarts like Laporte, Senechal, and Cosnefroy. The lineup also features Sivakov, Madouas, and Bardet, who bounced back from a recent crash at the Vuelta.
Spain sits with a respected track record but finds the race difficult to crack when teams guard their riders for UCI points and titles. Pascual Momparler directs a cautious Spain squad, aiming to maximize opportunities for a medal with versatile riders such as Iván García Cortina, who is expected to be a sprint option if the finish comes down to a dash for the line.
Meanwhile, the situation remains fluid with other major teams ready to pounce. Slovenia has talents who can shake the order, including Tadej Pogačar, still regarded by many as one of the sport’s most complete riders, capable of turning the race on its head. Dutch forces around Mathieu van der Poel stand as one of cycling’s most dangerous mix masters in any big event, able to light up stages that resemble classic one-day battles. In this context, Soler will be watching closely as rivals align and allies shift as the race unfolds.
Source: International Cycling Union, race previews and team rosters.