Kigali Opens With Time Trials as UCI Road Worlds Begin

Saturday 21st September 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

UCI Road Worlds opened in Kigali on Sunday with the elite women’s and men’s individual time trials. The championship is the first on African roads. Officials set the women’s race in the morning and the men’s later in the day on a fast, punchy loop that starts near BK Arena and finishes at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Day 1: Time trials and course

Organisers scheduled the elite women’s time trial as the curtain-raiser. The route measures about 31.2 km with roughly 460 m of climbing over city streets and short rises. Riders face cobbled ramps and quick descents before the final run-in to the finish. The men’s event follows in the afternoon under the same format. Officials expect decisive splits on the longer drags, not only on the cobbles.

Start lists published this morning confirm a deep field. National teams signaled limited last-minute changes after course recons on Saturday. Timing providers set intermediate checks to capture gaps on the key climbs and the fast final sector into the convention district. Results will post after verification at the finish.

Contenders and targets

On the men’s side, Remco Evenepoel seeks a third straight world title in the time trial. He won in Scotland and Zurich and says the Kigali profile suits his sustained power. Tadej Pogačar lines up as a major rival after a dominant season on the road. Their duel anchors the afternoon billing.

For the women, previews point to Marlen Reusser and Chloé Dygert among the favourites for the rainbow jersey. The field also includes established climbers and several African champions who tested the steep city sectors in training. Teams plan negative splits to protect legs before the late kick.

Host city and backdrop

The UCI Road Worlds in Kigali mark a milestone for African cycling. Organisers expect strong crowds on the circuits and steady broadcast windows throughout the week. The build-up also carried debate over governance and recent protests around the sport, adding a sharper edge to the opener. Racing goes ahead under standard security plans and event rules.

Officials will confirm podiums and jerseys after anti-doping procedures. Road races close the championship next weekend. Teams will review splits, equipment choices, and recovery ahead of the mixed relay and age-group time trials mid-week.