Tadej Pogačar Triumphs in Rwanda, Secures Second Consecutive World Title
Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar clinched his second consecutive UCI Road World Championships title with a commanding solo performance in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday. The 267.5 km race, featuring two formidable climbs Mont Kigali and the notorious Mur de Kigali tested the peloton’s endurance and strategy.
Pogačar, known for his aggressive racing style, launched a decisive attack on the Mur de Kigali, distancing himself from his rivals. Riding alone for the final 66 km, he crossed the finish line with a smile, reaffirming his dominance in the sport. His victory was met with jubilation from the hundreds of thousands of fans lining the streets of Rwanda’s capital.
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, who had secured his third consecutive individual time trial title earlier in the week, finished second, 1 minute and 28 seconds behind Pogačar.
Ireland’s Ben Healy claimed third place, marking Ireland’s first podium finish in the event since 1989. Britain’s Tom Pidcock concluded the race in 10th position, over nine minutes adrift of the winner.
This victory solidifies Pogačar’s status among cycling’s elite, making him only the second rider in the past two decades to successfully defend the rainbow jersey, following Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, who achieved the feat from 2015 to 2017.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships marked a historic moment as the event was held in Africa for the first time.
Despite political controversies surrounding Rwanda’s hosting, the championships showcased the country’s passion for cycling and its growing influence in the sport.
