Quebec, Canada — October 11, 2025: Canadian cycling fans had plenty to celebrate on Friday as Isabella Holmgren powered to victory at the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup, winning the under-23 women’s short track (XCC) race in front of a home crowd.
Racing in the rainbow jersey after claiming the under-23 short track world title earlier in September in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, the Lidl-Trek rider dominated the course to secure her first XCC World Cup win of the season.
Holmgren, who recently competed in road worlds in Rwanda, returned to North America to deliver an impressive performance on home turf. Cheered on by family, friends, and a passionate Canadian crowd, the 19-year-old rider crossed the line with authority.
“Racing at home is always special. The energy from the crowd pushed me forward every lap,” Holmgren said after the race.
Ella MacPhee Shines with Overall Podium Finish
It was also a remarkable day for Ella MacPhee of the Willier Vittoria Factory Team, who secured third place overall in the 2025 XCC World Cup series. MacPhee capped a breakout under-23 season with another strong ride at Mont-Sainte-Anne, earning a coveted spot on the final podium.
Austria’s Katharina Sadnik (KTM Factory Team) took the overall series win, with Italy’s Valentina Corvi (Canyon Cllctv) finishing second.
MacPhee’s 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. She earned her first World Cup podium in Araxa, Brazil, followed by her maiden World Cup victory in Nova Mesto, Czech Republic. She also dominated the XCC and XCO continental championships in Costa Rica earlier this year.
A Historic Weekend at Mont-Sainte-Anne
The Mont-Sainte-Anne event marks a milestone in Canadian cycling, not only for Holmgren’s and MacPhee’s achievements but also because this is the final World Cup weekend at MSA after 30 consecutive editions.
Starting in 2026, the legendary Quebec venue will transition from the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar to host a Crankworx World Tour stop.
Before the venue’s historic shift, both Holmgren and MacPhee will be back in action this weekend for the Olympic cross-country (XCO) race — the final round of the 2025 season. Expectations are high for another strong performance from the Canadian contingent.
