Pogačar vs Evenepoel: Who leaves Kigali with rainbow jersey?

Sunday, September 28 Race: Men Elite Road Race Distance: 267.5km After seven thrilling days, the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali reaches its climax on Sunday, September 28, with the star-studded men elite road race. Canada’s Magdeleine Vallieres already bagged the title in women elite road race on Saturday the mouthwatering final day serves as men’s turn where 165 riders from 57 nations will line up for the ultimate test. The spotlight is firmly on Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel, two modern titans whose rivalry has electrified the sport since their first day in Kigali. Pogačar, the reigning world champion, is back to defend his rainbow jersey and redeem himself after a shaky start finishing fourth in the men’s elite Individual Time Trial (ITT), 2 minutes and 37 seconds behind Evenepoel, who retained the title for third consecutive time. The course ahead promises nothing short of brutal: 267.5 kilometers, 5,475 metres of climbing not only that, but the whole race will be at the relentless altitude of Kigali at 1,850 metre and Mur de Kigali taking the peloton even higher up. ALSO READ:Mur de Kigali: The 500m cobblestone climb that could decide 2025 UCI road race Belgium’s Evenepoel arrived in Kigali with a proven record of rising to the occasion on cycling’s biggest one-day stage. Already a two-time world champion (2022 and 2023), the 24-year-old has been in sparkling form. At the 2024 Vuelta a España, he claimed the mountains classification and lit up the race with trademark long-range attacks, reminding everyone of his ability to sustain solo efforts on punishing terrain. His fourth-place finish at the 2024 Tour de France further cemented his growing maturity in stage races. ALSO READ: Why Kigali 2025 is billed to be UCI’s hardest race ever Having already clinched gold in the men’s ITT this week, Evenepoel now targets a second rainbow jersey in Kigali, a double that would mark him as the man of the championship. On the other side of this rivalry stands Pogačar, the undisputed star of the last two seasons. The Slovenian defended his Tour de France crown in 2024 with a blend of tactical patience and devastating bursts of power that few riders can withstand. His victory at last year’s World Championships in Zurich proved he can dominate both grand tours and one-day classics. With recent triumphs at Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Il Lombardia, Pogačar remains the benchmark on hilly, selective courses. ALSO READ: What stood out in UCI time trials in Kigali ? Kigali’s sharp climbs and tactical battles could play perfectly into his versatile skill set, allowing him to respond to Evenepoel’s daring attacks while still posing a threat in a reduced sprint. Who else are on the running? Surely, this won’t be a two-man affair. Belgian Wout van Aert remains one of the most dangerous riders in a one-day showdown thanks to his mix of endurance and sprinting power. ALSO READ: Eritrea star Girmay calls for opportunities for Africa’s cycling prospects Africa also has reason to believe in Biniam Girmay, who made history as the first African to podium at the World Championships with silver in the under-23 men’s road race, bringing explosive speed and fearless racing to a course that could suit his strengths. Add in young talents such as Britain’s Tom Pidcock, Pogačar’s countryman Primoz Roglic and Spain’s Juan Ayuso, and Sunday’s finale has all the ingredients of an unpredictable classic.

Sports

Pogačar vs Evenepoel: Who leaves Kigali with rainbow jersey?