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Can Anyone Challenge World Champion Marlen Reusser? – European Championship Elite Women's Time Trial Contenders
Reusser seeks a record fifth European title on a 22.1km course with nearly 400m of climbing, officials said.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, elite men's and women's time trial events take place at the UEC Road European Championships in Žen ur, Slovenia. Riders tackle a challenging 22.1km course featuring steep climbs.
The course includes nearly 400m of vertical ascent, with a critical climb averaging 10.2% gradient over 2km positioned midway through the route. This terrain will likely determine the final outcome.
World champion Marlen Reusser of Switzerland aims for a record-setting fifth European title, while Swiss specialist Stefan Kng enters as the men's race favorite. Both face a wide-open field with top rivals like Remco Evenepoel absent.
Rising talent Jakob Sderqvist and home favorite Primoz Rogli emerge as primary contenders for the men's title, capitalizing on absences of major names like Filippo Ganna. The European Championships field lacks established powerhouses.
These events conclude a weekend of road racing on the same circuit, with the technical course demanding high climbing ability. New continental champions will emerge as previous podium sitters Evenepoel and Ganna are not competing.
Switzerland, a recent world champion in the field, won in front of Demi Vollering and Juliette Berthet on Wednesday in Slovenia on a 22.1-kilometre loop.
Primož Roglič will be chasing a time trial medal on the last day of the home European Championships. Five remaining sets of medals will be awarded in Šenčur in all age categories. A total of 12 Slovenian competitors will be at the start.