World champion Tadej Pogačar successfully defended his men’s road race crown in Kigali on Sunday, overcoming immense pressure to deliver a dominant performance.
The Slovenian cycling star, who turned 27 on September 21, conquered the demanding 267.5 km course in 6 hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds, crossing the finish line at the Kigali Convention Centre to the cheers of thousands of fans. Among those in attendance were President Paul Kagame, UCI President David Lappartient, and Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Pogačar secured his second consecutive world title after finishing one minute and 28 seconds ahead of Belgian rival Remco Evenepoel, who battled a mid-race mechanical before settling for silver. Ireland’s Ben Healy took bronze, trailing the champion by 2 minutes and 16 seconds.
“I’m really happy we made it. There was a lot of pressure coming here as favorites, but we pulled it off as a team, and I’m proud and happy,” Pogačar said after the victory.
The four-time Tour de France winner praised Rwanda’s electric atmosphere and the passionate fans who encouraged him through the punishing climbs of Mur de Kigali and Côte de Kimihurura. “It was amazing to put on the jersey again after one year. The energy here was incredible,” he said.
Competing in Africa for the first time, Pogačar also hailed Rwanda’s landscape, calling it one of the best training environments he has experienced. “From the moment I arrived, I felt this is the nation of a thousand hills. I’ll remember Rwanda in a very positive way. Training here with my girlfriend and my team made this race even more special,” he added.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali marked the first time the prestigious event was held in Africa, making Pogačar’s triumph a historic moment in cycling.