Benjamín Noval and Maria Okrucińska Win Junior Time Trial World Titles in Montreal

Noval claims narrow victory in men's junior time trial

Spain's 17-year-old rider Benjamín Noval won the men's junior time trial on Tuesday in Montreal, completing the 20.3-kilometer course in 25 minutes, 17.35 seconds. Noval, who hails from Pola de Laviana in Asturias, finished 6.35 seconds ahead of Belgian rider Vic De Smet. Denmark took the next two positions, with Malthe Risbjerg earning bronze at 16.97 seconds back and Julius Løvstrup Birkedal finishing fourth at 21 seconds. France's sole entrant, Lancelot Gayant, finished in eighth place, 47 seconds behind the winning time. The result marked a step forward from the 2025 junior time trial in Kigali, Rwanda, where Noval finished 11th, 57.05 seconds behind Dutch winner Michiel Mouris.

Noval addressed his preparation and expectations following the finish line in Montreal.

It was a goal from the start of the season, but for the time trial I was not so sure that I had these chances. I knew it was possible, but I still do not believe it and I am still taking it in.

Spanish rider builds on strong season results

Noval is the son of the former professional cyclist of the same name, who rode alongside Lance Armstrong at US Postal Service and Alberto Contador at Discovery Channel and Astana. In late June, the teenager won Spanish junior national titles in both the road race and time trial, adding to his national junior cyclo-cross title. Competing for MMR Academy earlier in the year, he also won both the Vuelta al Besaya and the Tour du Valromey. During an ascent of the Alto de Polio in northern Spain in May, Noval produced 6.67 watts per kilogram over 17 minutes. Having signed with Netcompany INEOS in June, he will join their professional roster next season, and will start Thursday's junior road race in Montreal.

Okrucińska leads women's junior time trial

In the women's junior event, Poland's Maria Okrucińska secured the world title over the 10.7-kilometer course in the Quebec metropolis with a winning time of 15 minutes, 17 seconds. Belgium's 18-year-old rider Yana Decruyenaere took the silver medal, finishing 12 seconds behind Okrucińska. Britain's Aalia Clay claimed the bronze medal after crossing the line 24 seconds behind the Polish winner. Belgian junior national champion Laura Fivé, who had defeated Decruyenaere for the national title at Maarkedal in May, finished in fifth place, 35 seconds off the winning mark in the under-19 division.

Belgian medal count grows alongside Italian mixed relay win

Tuesday's two junior silver medals brought Belgium's medal total to four across the first three days of competition in Montreal. On Sunday, Remco Evenepoel won his fourth consecutive elite men's time trial world title, followed on Monday by Luca Vierstraete winning bronze in the women's under-23 time trial. De Smet, a 17-year-old under contract with the Soudal Quick-Step development setup, started as the final rider and set the fastest time at the opening intermediate split before settling for silver behind Noval. De Smet previously played academy football for Belgian clubs Lokeren and Gent before switching to cycling. He served as Belgium's sole men's junior starter after Seff Van Kerckhove withdrew following a collision with a vehicle during a training session in Canada. Earlier on Tuesday, Italy claimed victory in the team mixed relay, led by experienced riders Filippo Ganna and Elisa Longo Borghini.