Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel underlined his reputation as one of the sport’s finest time trialists with a commanding victory in the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial at the 2025 UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Kigali.
Third world title in a row for Remco Evenepoel
Remco Evenepoel
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
The world champion in the discipline of the past two years powered through the 40.6-kilometre course in 49 minutes 46 seconds, averaging nearly 49 km/h, to secure his third world title against the clock. It was a performance that left no doubt about the 25-year-old’s dominance, and it reaffirmed why he came to Rwanda as one of the top stars to watch.
Speaking after the race, Evenepoel described both the challenge and the thrill of the course. “It felt pretty good right away on the first flat part; I could feel my legs turning. I held my pace without going over the limit. The first climb of the day was quite hard, along with the last two, so I really pushed it there.
“After that, I saw I had a big gap, so I kept a pace I could sustain until the bottom and then went flat out on every climb. I must say, the cobbles were brutal—I hated them at some point. It was so hard to push through them toward the end, but winning was the most important thing.”
Jay Vine delivers silver for Australia
Jay Vine
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
Australia’s Jay Vine impressed with a strong ride, finishing in 51:00.83, more than a minute behind Evenepoel but comfortably ahead of the rest. His silver medal was a breakthrough on the world stage, confirming his rise as a versatile rider capable of shining in major championships.
Van Wilder makes it two medals for Belgium
Ilan Van Wilder
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
The podium was completed by another Belgian, Ilan van Wilder, who claimed bronze in 52:22.10, sealing a remarkable day for Belgian cycling. With Evenepoel and van Wilder both on the podium, Belgium showcased its depth of talent in the discipline.
No birthday podium for Tadej Pogačar
Tadej Pogačar
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar, fresh from his fourth Tour de France win in July and reigning world road race champion, finished fourth in 52:23.76, narrowly missing the podium. His presence in Kigali brought added star power, but on his birthday, he sadly had to settle for a place just off the medal spots.
Mexican sensation Isaac Del Toro, one of the sport’s rising stars at just 21, finished fifth in 52:26.89, confirming his promise with another strong showing on the global stage.
Dutch climbing ace Thymen Arensman, another of the pre-race favourites, placed ninth in 53:25.71.
Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial: top 10 results
- Remco Evenepoel (BEL) – 49:46.03
- Jay Vine (AUS) – 51:00.83 (+1:14.80)
- Ilan van Wilder (BEL) – 52:22.10 (+2:36.07)
- Tadej Pogačar (SLO) – 52:23.76 (+2:37.73)
- Isaac Del Toro (MEX) – 52:26.89 (+2:40.86)
- Andreas Leknessund (NOR) – 52:43.30 (+2:57.27)
- Lucas Plapp (AUS) – 52:49.37 (+3:03.34)
- Bruno Armirail (FRA) – 52:52.10 (+3:06.07)
- Thymen Arensman (NED) – 53:25.71 (+3:39.68)
- Stefan Küng (SUI) – 53:34.95 (+3:48.92)
Rwandan riders on home roads
Shemu Nsengiyumva
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
Moise Mugisha
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
For the host nation, the crowd roared as Shemu Nsengiyumva secured a strong 25th place with a time of 56:41.13, while Moise Mugisha finished 31st in 58:40.67 in a race that drew 54 riders. Though not in medal contention, both riders were warmly applauded for their determination, with their participation marking Rwanda’s growing stature in world cycling.
