One of the sensations of 2025 was Magdaleine Vallieres’ world title in Rwanda. Suddenly, the Canadian was in the spotlight, something she hadn’t experienced much before. “It’s so strange,” she says on the EF Education-Oatly website. “Sometimes I try to hide a little because it all feels so weird.”
To get to know the world champion better, EF Education-Oatly published an article this week featuring no fewer than fifty questions for Vallieres. The questions cover serious topics but also everyday things like her favorite breakfast, hobbies, and whether she prefers dogs or cats. On the serious questions, the Canadian is candid.
“When I crossed the line in Rwanda, I really didn’t know what to do. I thought to myself: should I cheer now? Do I have time for that? In my head, I just kept thinking: okay, I need to do some kind of celebration gesture now. So, I raised my arm because I was so shocked by everything that was happening. I had so many emotions. Alison (Jackson, ed.) later told me that my victory gesture was good, so that was a relief for me.”
In the weeks and months after the World Championships, a lot came at Vallieres. The Canadian is proud of it but also says: “I’m not used to this attention at all. I really didn’t realize it would be such a big thing. That my victory would have so much impact on other people. From Canada, I received so many wonderful messages, also from young riders who now see that it’s possible for a Canadian to become world champion and as a result believe in themselves more. That’s what I’m most proud of: that it’s possible to inspire people with cycling.”
The Canadian also answers questions about her biggest “weakness” and fear. “My biggest weakness might be that I don’t really have much confidence in myself. I’m also afraid of letting people down. I do think that’s changing, with all the confidence and support from the people around me.”
Vallieres isn’t looking too far ahead to the new season yet. But she is clear about her bucket list. “I want to win an Ardennes classic someday,” she concludes.
