A historic moment for African cycling has arrived as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships officially kick off in Kigali, marking the first time the prestigious event is held on the continent. One of the highlights of the championship is the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial (ITT), set for Sunday, September 21, where reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel of Belgium will defend his title. However, he faces stiff competition from the world’s top-ranked rider, Tadej Pogačar, who is eyeing his first ITT world crown. ALSO READ: Rwanda ready for UCI World Championships, says minister Mukazayire In a groundbreaking twist, this years’ time trial will start inside the 10,000-seat BK Arena, making it the first-ever indoor start in the history of the UCI Road World Championships. The event has attracted 55 riders from 38 countries, including Rwandan flag bearers Moïse Mugisha and Shemu Nsengiyumva. The men’s course spans 47.8 kilometers with 352 meters of elevation, making it more demanding than the Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial, which features a 36.2 km route. ALSO READ: Riders to keep an eye on in the 2025 UCI World road champs Australia’s Grace Brown, who won the women’s ITT in Zurich in 2024, is absent from Kigali after announcing her retirement. With the title up for grabs, the spotlight now turns to Dutch star Demi Vollering, American Chloe Dygert, and British rider Anna Henderson, who are among the top contenders in a 44-woman peloton. Rwanda will be represented by Xaverine Nirere and Diane Ingabire. The time trial course winds through some of Kigali’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Kimironko, Chez Lando, Gisimenti, Sonatubes, Kicukiro Centre, Gahanga, and Gikondo. Riders will conclude with what promises to be a dramatic sprint finish at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
