Canadian athletes are making waves on the international stage, and this week, the spotlight shines on two thrilling competitions: the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes cycling race and the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. Both events, held on different continents, have showcased the grit, determination, and rising talent of Canada’s young sportswomen. With dramatic finishes, standout performances, and a few unexpected twists, these contests have proven to be anything but predictable.
Let’s start in France, where the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes—a relatively new but already prestigious under-23 women’s cycling race—has delivered drama and promise in equal measure. Often dubbed the “race of the future,” the event has quickly gained a reputation as a launchpad for the next generation of cycling stars. The men’s version has been running since 1961 and boasts past winners like Tadej Pogačar and Greg LeMond, both of whom went on to claim the Tour de France. But it wasn’t until 2023 that the women’s peloton was given its own stage, and the second edition in 2025 is already making history.
Stage 3 of the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes, held on August 23, 2025, was a true test of tactical prowess and endurance. The 136-kilometer route to Vitry-en-Charollais saw a flurry of early attacks, including a determined seven-rider breakaway featuring Fleur Moors and Maud Oudeman. The peloton, however, was in no mood to let anyone slip away, keeping the escapees on a tight leash. The most daring move came from France’s Juliette Bego, who launched a solo attack and managed to carve out a two-minute lead. Yet, as the kilometers ticked by, the pack reeled her in, setting the stage for a chaotic sprint finish.
As the riders thundered toward the line, a crash threatened to upend the results, but Dutch sensation Scarlett Souren kept her cool and powered to victory. She edged out Federica Venturelli and Marie Schreiber, both of whom showed impressive speed but couldn’t quite match Souren’s final kick. Amidst the chaos, Canadian hopes remained high—Isabella Holmgren, who had already made headlines with a commanding win in the uphill prologue, finished safely in the bunch to retain her overall lead. The young Canadian’s consistency and tactical acumen have kept her at the forefront of the general classification, making her a rider to watch as the race enters its decisive stages.
Kiara Lylyk, another Canadian standout, crossed the line in ninth place—a result that speaks volumes about her resilience and form. Just a month ago, Lylyk’s Tour de France Femmes debut ended abruptly when she crashed into a police motorcycle that appeared unexpectedly on the course. But at the Tour de l’Avenir, she’s bounced back with renewed vigor. Reflecting on her performance, Lylyk said, “Honestly just being a part of this group is so special. I haven’t been with a group that works so well together. We are all in for Bella, but also all in for everyone to get their shot. I was a bit disappointed that I boxed myself in the sprint after they gave everything for me, but still happy to give it a go.”
Holmgren’s dominance was established early when she took the prologue by storm, finishing 16 seconds ahead of her closest rival—a significant margin in such a short, uphill effort. Alexandra Volstad has also contributed to Canada’s strong showing, finishing eighth in the bunch sprint on Stage 1. With three stages remaining, including a challenging final day that features a double stage and an uphill time trial from Montvalezan to La Rosière (10.3 km), the race is far from over. The Canadian squad, united and motivated, will need to stay sharp if they hope to defend Holmgren’s lead and perhaps add another stage win to their tally.
Meanwhile, on the volleyball courts of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Canada’s women’s national team clinched a dramatic victory over Spain to advance to the Round of 16 at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. In a nail-biting five-set thriller played on August 25, 2025, the Canadians edged out Spain 3-2, with set scores of 22-25, 28-26, 24-26, 25-15, and 15-10. The match was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging back and forth and both teams refusing to yield an inch.
Andrea Mitrovic was the star of the show, racking up a game-high 22 points and leading the charge when it mattered most. Hilary Johnson provided crucial support, chipping in with 19 points of her own. On the Spanish side, Lucia Varela was the top scorer, finishing with 16 points. The Canadian team’s ability to rally after dropping two of the first three sets spoke volumes about their resilience and depth. By clinching this hard-fought win, Canada improved to 2-0 in Pool E, guaranteeing themselves a top-two finish and a coveted spot in the tournament’s knockout stages.
“This was a real test of our character,” said Mitrovic in the post-match huddle. “We knew Spain would come out strong, but we trusted each other and stuck to our game plan. Now, we’re excited for what’s next.” The victory not only boosts morale but also sends a clear message to the rest of the field: Canada is here to compete, and they’re not backing down from any challenge.
Back in the cycling world, the men’s Tour de l’Avenir is running concurrently, with Luke Valenti currently the top Canadian in 46th place. While the men’s race is steeped in tradition, the women’s event is quickly building its own legacy, and Canadian riders are at the forefront of this exciting new chapter.
As both the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes and the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship continue, Canadian athletes are proving that they belong among the world’s elite. With Isabella Holmgren in yellow and the volleyball squad surging into the Round of 16, there’s a palpable sense of momentum building across the country’s sporting landscape. Fans will be watching closely as the next chapters unfold—will Holmgren hold on to her lead in the mountains? Can the volleyball team keep their dream run alive?
One thing’s for sure: it’s a thrilling time to be a Canadian sports fan. With teamwork, talent, and a little bit of luck, these athletes are writing stories that will be remembered for years to come.
