Reusser dominates Worlds ITT yet again with thumping display

Marlen Reusser produced a dominant second half to win the women's individual time trial at the 2026 World Championships, beating Zoe Bäckstedt by 40.11 seconds.

The Swiss rider was only fifth at the first intermediate check, 10.37 seconds behind Bäckstedt, but steadily clawed her way back before taking the lead at the third checkpoint.

From there, Reusser continued to extend her advantage, eventually stopping the clock in 50:24.44 at an average speed of 46.66km/h.

Bäckstedt, who had led the race through the first two timing points, took silver in 51:04.55, while Franziska Koch completed the podium for Germany in 51:09.98.

Bäckstedt was the rider to beat through the opening section, setting the fastest time at the first checkpoint in 13:36.22.

The British rider was 1.45 seconds clear of Cédrine Kerbaol, with Koch a further 3.20 seconds behind Bäckstedt. Elisa Longo Borghini was fourth at 9.63 seconds, while Reusser was already inside 11 seconds of the lead at 10.37 seconds.

Bäckstedt continued to set the pace at the second timing point, reaching 27:55.46 at an average speed of 47.06km/h.

Reusser had closed the gap to just 2.78 seconds, while Koch and Kerbaol remained within seven seconds of the lead. Longo Borghini was 22.69 seconds down, with Dominika Włodarczyk and Lotte Kopecky also inside 41 seconds.

The race then swung decisively towards Reusser.

At the third checkpoint, the Swiss rider posted 37:57.59 to move into first place. Bäckstedt was now 13.63 seconds behind, while Koch was 22.22 seconds down.

Kerbaol remained fourth at 30.30 seconds, with Longo Borghini 40.26 seconds behind Reusser. Kopecky and Antonia Niedermaier were also still inside the top seven.

At the third checkpoint, the Swiss rider posted 37:57.59 to move into first place. Bäckstedt was now 13.63 seconds behind, while Koch was 22.22 seconds down.

Kerbaol remained fourth at 30.30 seconds, with Longo Borghini 40.26 seconds behind Reusser. Kopecky and Antonia Niedermaier were also still inside the top seven.

From there, Reusser extended her advantage all the way to the finish.

She completed the 39.2km course in 50:24.44 to retain her title, with Bäckstedt finishing in 51:04.55 and Koch in 51:09.98.

Longo Borghini was fourth at 50.30 seconds, while Kerbaol completed the top five at 1:10.14.