Caroline Andersson Delivers Powerful Ride to 11th in Women’s Elite World Championship Road Race
Swedish cycling star Caroline Andersson capped off a remarkable season with yet another world-class performance, finishing 11th in the Women’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships. On one of the most demanding courses of the year — 11 punishing laps over steep hills and rough Rwandan roads — Andersson battled with the sport’s biggest names and crossed the line just shy of the top 10.
💪 From Injury Comebacks to World-Class Form
It’s been a season of resilience for Andersson, who has fought through three significant injuries to return to top form. Her ride in Kigali was another testament to her grit and determination. Facing the same grueling course as the U23 men’s race — with over 2,500 meters of climbing and brutal cobblestone sections — Andersson positioned herself among the main favorites deep into the final laps.
“Eleventh best in the world – pretty awesome though,” Andersson shared on Instagram. “The race was a bit of a roller coaster. I came here aiming for even more, but I’m still proud of my effort on such a brutal course.”
🚴♀️ Holding Strong Against the World’s Best
Assistant national coach Alexander Wetterhall praised Andersson’s smart tactics and powerful finish:
“Caroline rode a very, very good race. She conserved energy wisely when breakaways went and stayed with the main favorites when the pace ramped up in the final three laps. Sprinting to 11th in that group shows just how strong she was today.”
The race was ultimately won by Magdeleine Vallieres (Canada), who shocked the field by holding off a breakaway to claim a historic gold — a result few predicted in a star-studded elite field. Cycling legends like Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (France) were forced to settle behind Andersson on the final climb, while Dutch favorite Demi Vollering led the chase group but missed out on a podium.
Despite a late break deciding the medals, Andersson stayed with the group of favorites until the very end and sprinted strongly to secure 11th place, just centimeters from the top 10.
🏆 Final Results – Women’s Elite Road Race
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Magdeleine Vallieres (Canada) – 4:34:48
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Niamh Fisher-Black (New Zealand) – +0:23
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Mavi Garcia (Spain) – +0:27
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Elise Chabbey (Switzerland) – +0:41
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Riejanne Markus (Netherlands) – +0:57
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Antonia Niedermaier (Germany) – +1:17
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Demi Vollering (Netherlands) – +1:34
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Kimberley Le Court Pienaar (Mauritius) – same time
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Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) – same time
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Kasia Niewiadoma (Poland) – same time
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Caroline Andersson (Sweden) – same time
🌟 A Fitting Finish to a Breakthrough Season
Andersson’s top-15 result caps a season full of standout performances, including numerous single-digit finishes in stage races and one-day events. It’s another major step forward in her rapidly rising career — and a performance that proves she belongs among the world’s best.
“Of course, you wonder what could’ve happened with a more aggressive tactic,” Wetterhall added. “But sometimes, when you’re on your own, the smartest move is to follow the favorites and wait for the race to unfold. Caroline stayed strong all the way to the last climb and earned a great position.”
🇸🇪 A Strong Showing for Team Sweden
The World Championships in Kigali have been a huge success for Swedish cycling. From Jakob Söderqvist’s U23 time trial gold to top-level performances across all categories, the small but sharp Swedish squad delivered results to be proud of.
“Yes, we end this World Championship very satisfied,” said Wetterhall. “We had very strong performances across the board.”
Text excerpt taken from: Tomas Larsson/SCF
Foto; Luca Bettini/ Spintcycling Agency (unless otherwise stated)
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