Célia Gery Makes History with U23 Women’s Road Race Victory

In a landmark achievement, Célia Gery of France clinched victory in the inaugural standalone under-23 women’s road race at the UCI Road World Championships held in Kigali on March 15, 2025. The 19-year-old athlete showcased her sprinting prowess by breaking away from a select group of competitors to secure the coveted rainbow jersey.

Gery’s decisive moment came in the final stretch of the race, where she faced off against Viktória Chladaňová from Slovakia. After leaving behind her fellow late attacker and teammate, Marion Bunel, in the last kilometer, Gery surged ahead in a thrilling sprint to the finish line. She crossed the line first, earning the gold medal for France, while Chladaňová finished just behind, taking home the silver.

Race Highlights and Podium Finishers

Completing the podium was Paula Blasi of Spain, who finished in third place, trailing the leaders by 12 seconds. Blasi led a select group that finished behind the two frontrunners. Gery’s victory marks a significant milestone, not only for her personal career but also for women’s cycling, as this race format was introduced for the first time.

The under-23 women’s road race spanned a challenging distance of 119.3 kilometers, testing the endurance and strategic skills of all participants. Gery’s performance highlighted her exceptional talent and determination, setting a precedent for future competitions in this category.

As she donned the rainbow jersey, Gery expressed her exhilaration, stating, “Winning this race is a dream come true. It is an honor to represent my country and to be a part of this historic moment for women’s cycling.” Her achievement resonates beyond the race, inspiring a new generation of female cyclists.

The success of Gery and her fellow competitors reflects the growing recognition and importance of women’s events in cycling, paving the way for future advancements and opportunities in the sport.

As the dust settles on this historic race, the cycling community eagerly anticipates the continued growth of women’s cycling, with athletes like Gery leading the charge.