Following Magdeleine Vallieres’ triumph in the women’s road race yesterday, the podium finish rounds off a truly historic week for the team at what was already a landmark world championships for the African continent.

“It’s pretty special. I’ve done a lot of hard work this season for this and to stand on the podium with Remco and Tadej is pretty incredible,” said Ben Healy after the finish. 

The world championships road race course was billed as one of the hardest in history. With over 5,000 meters of climbing, cobblestones, and windy, technical descents, the route was show-ready and the riders delivered.

The race opened up early, with attacks flying from the moment the flag dropped. Pre-race favorite and eventual winner Tadej Pogačar launched a powerful attack with more than 100 kilometers remaining and held firm to defend his rainbow jersey. 

Multiple counter-moves came and went, but Healy timed his effort perfectly, bridging to a select group of favorites on the penultimate climb before surging clear with Remco Evenepoel and Mattias Skjelmose in pursuit of the flying Slovenian. When Evenepoel accelerated to secure silver, Healy held firm, digging deep on the steep ramps through Kigali and eventually moving clear in the final kilometers to secure his bronze medal.

Finishing third at the world championships was the highlight of a banner year for the Irish cyclist. He also secured a podium spot at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, claimed a stage win at the Tour de France, and wore the yellow jersey for two stages. This isn’t lost on Ben either.

“This season is just getting crazier and crazier to be honest,” said Ben. “From a stage win and the yellow jersey at the Tour to now podium at worlds, it is hard to compare.”

"Proud" doesn't even begin to cover how we feel about this team's performance this week. We’ll ride this high into the last few races of the season. 

Thank you for your hospitality and for putting on an unforgettable world championship, Rwanda.