Slovenia’s Pogacar defends UCI world title with Kigali masterclass

Kigali turned into the heart of global cycling on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as the Rwandan capital hosted the final day of the UCI road world championships, culminating in a men’s elite road race that lived up to its billing.

A field of 165 riders from 57 nations lined up for the grueling 267.5-kilometer course, which wound through cobbled city streets, steep ascents, and the punishing climb of Mount Kigali.

From early morning, thousands of spectators filled the barricaded streets, chanting and waving flags as both world champions and first-time contenders set out to conquer one of the toughest circuits in modern championship history.

The atmosphere was electric, with Rwandan fans cheering loudly for their home riders, Patrick Byukusenge, Vainqueur Masengesho, Eric Nkundabera, Eric Muhoza, Eric Manizabayo “Karadiyo,” and Shemu Nsengiyumva, who carried the hopes of a nation eager to see its own shine on the global stage.

The race began with bursts of ambition as Red Walters from Grenada initiated the first breakaway, followed closely by Swiss, German, Dutch, and Portuguese riders. France’s Julian Bernard later organized a second chase, while former world champion Julian Alaphilippe tested the pace before fading due to health struggles.

Pogacar defends UCI world title with Kigali masterclass

At one point, Rwanda’s Manizabayo thrilled the crowd by attacking near the Kigali golf course junction, briefly leading the second chase peloton before being reeled back. But as the kilometers ticked down, the relentless rhythm of the course began to wear down the field, with riders abandoning in increasing numbers.

The defining moment came with just over 100 kilometers to go, when Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, already world champion in Zurich the previous year, launched a searing attack on the Norvège climb.

His move echoed the long-range strike that had earned him gold in 2024, and once again no rival could match his audacity. Behind him, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel fought valiantly but crossed the line 28 seconds adrift, settling for silver for the second consecutive year.

Evenepoel, the reigning time trial world champion and perhaps the only rider capable of threatening Pogacar, suffered a costly mechanical issue with 75 km remaining. Though he fought back with determination, the gap had already grown too wide.

As the race reached its closing circuits, the Kigali crowd witnessed a solo exhibition of power. Pogacar maintained a steady tempo on each climb, immune to the punishing gradients and afternoon heat.

Ireland’s Ben Healy claimed bronze, finishing more than two minutes back, while Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose and Britain’s Tom Pidcock rounded out the top chasers but lacked the firepower to threaten the podium.

Rwanda’s six riders gave their all but were ultimately undone by the demands of world-class racing. One after another, they succumbed to exhaustion, with Shemu Nsengiyumva the last to abandon during the return leg through Nyabugogo.

Their exits drew sympathetic applause from the home fans, who understood the scale of the challenge. Out of the 165 riders who began, only 30 managed to finish, underlining the brutality of the Kigali circuit.

The victory marked a historic milestone for Pogacar, who became a back-to-back world road champion, cementing his status among the greatest cyclists of his generation.

His solo ride into the Kigali Convention Centre, fists clenched in triumph as the crowd roared, symbolized not only his dominance but also the success of Rwanda in hosting its first-ever world championship.

The closing ceremony added a moment of prestige to the occasion. President Paul Kagame presided over the event, awarding Pogacar the gold medal in front of an exuberant crowd.

He was joined by UCI President David Lappartient and Prince Albert II of Monaco, underscoring the international significance of Kigali’s championships. For Pogacar, aged 27 and ranked world number one, this was his second consecutive world title, a triumph that reaffirmed his supremacy in global cycling.

Evenepoel collected silver from the Head of State, while Healy received the bronze, completing a podium that reflected both resilience and excellence.

As the curtain fell on Kigali’s crowning moment, attention shifted to Montréal, Canada, the host of the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. For Pogacar, the mission is to continue building an unparalleled legacy in the rainbow jersey.

For Evenepoel, the pursuit of redemption remains alive. And for Rwanda, the dream of seeing one of its own finish among the best has only grown stronger, fueled by the passion of a nation that embraced cycling’s biggest stage with unforgettable spirit.