The individual time trial events for elite cyclists will be held on Sunday, September 20, in Montreal, Canada. These events will mark the start of the 2026 Road Cycling World Championships, a prestigious international competition where the world's top cyclists compete across various disciplines. Time trials are a solo event where riders race against the clock over a set course, with the fastest time winning. Montreal has been chosen as the host city for the opening events, bringing international attention to the city and its cycling infrastructure. The course for the time trial has been designed to challenge riders while also offering opportunities for strong performers to showcase their speed. This event will be the first of many during the championships, which will take place across various locations in Canada over the following weeks. Last year’s champions, Remco Evenepoel and Marlen Reusser, are expected to be strong contenders in this year’s competition. Evenepoel, a Belgian cyclist, and Reusser, a Swiss rider, both won gold in the individual time trial at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. Their performance in Kigali demonstrated their ability to excel in time trials, and they are seen as favorites to repeat their success in Montreal. The course in Montreal is expected to suit Evenepoel and Reusser due to its technical yet predictable nature, allowing them to leverage their strengths in pacing and aerodynamics. Fans and analysts alike are looking forward to seeing how these top athletes perform in a new setting, with the event setting the tone for the rest of the championships.