As the dust settles, all eyes turn to Kigali, Rwanda, which will become the first African city to host the UCI Road World Championships. With just four days to go until the event kicks off on September 21, 2025, fans are asking: Who’s coming to Kigali?
Belgian Star Remco Evenepoel Leads the Charge
Belgium has unveiled its squad, and the spotlight shines on Remco Evenepoel. The two-time time trial world champion will spearhead a team built to give him every chance of success.
Evenepoel, the reigning time trial world champion, remains a dominant force. He claimed the first time trial in the 2025 Tour de France with his trademark precision and is a favorite to defend his rainbow jersey. His versatility over both flat and hilly terrain makes him a perfect fit for Kigali’s technical, punchy course, which will demand true all-rounders.
Other Big Names to Watch
Evenepoel won’t be the only star in Kigali. Key contenders include:
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) – Fresh from winning the 2025 Tour de France, Pogačar combines explosive climbing with all-around strength. He recently proved himself in time trials at the Tour and is a favorite to defend his road race crown after winning his first rainbow jersey in 2024 with a spectacular 100-km solo breakaway.
Filippo Ganna (Italy) – The ever-consistent Italian rider remains a threat, particularly in the time trial events.
Mathias Skjelmose (Denmark) – A rising star poised to challenge the elite riders.
Annemiek van Vleuten (Netherlands) – The dominant Dutch rider will aim to cement her legacy with victory on African soil.
Biniam Girmay (Eritrea) – Africa’s rising star, eager to make history as the first Eritrean to win a world title.
The Course: Kigali’s Ultimate Test
The road race will cover a punishing 267.5 km, including 15 laps of a hilly Kigali circuit featuring:
Kimihurura: 1.3 km at 6.3%
Kigali: 0.8 km at 8.1%
Mont Kigali: 5.9 km at 6.9%, crested just under 100 km from the finish
Short, steep climbs and fast descents will test riders’ endurance, strategy, and bike-handling skills. The combination of technical circuits and long distance ensures the 2025 World Championships will be a thrilling spectacle from start to finish.
Can Evenepoel complete the rainbow jersey set by adding the road race title to his growing collection? Will Pogačar defend his crown? Can Girmay make history for Africa?
With Kigali’s unique topography and a stacked field of elite riders, the stage is set for a historic, unforgettable week of cycling.
