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Tadej Pogacar lit up Kigali with a stunning, long-range solo attack, claiming back-to-back men’s world road race titles in dramatic fashion. In a race held on African soil for the first time, Pogacar broke free with 104 km still to go and held off the chasers, crossing the line emphatically to defend his rainbow jersey.

A Historic Victory in the Heart of Africa

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships men’s elite road race in Kigali wasn’t just any race—it was the first time the world championships were staged in Africa, and the course pushed riders to their limits. Its 267.5 km length, brutal climbs, cobbled sectors and relentless elevation demanded both strategy and grit. Only 30 of the 165 starters managed to finish.

Pogacar surveyed the terrain and seized his moment. Launching a decisive attack on Mount Kigali, he distanced all contenders over the course’s punishing middle and final segments. By the time he rolled into the finish, his advantage was undeniable. Belgian Remco Evenepoel rounded out the podium in second, 1 minute 28 seconds behind, while Ireland’s Ben Healy claimed third— Ireland’s first men’s elite world championship medal since 1989.

As Pogacar raised his arms in triumph, the weight of his achievement settled: he became the first rider to win both the Tour de France and the men’s road world title in the same year, twice over.

The Move That Made the Difference

What set this race apart was Pogacar’s daring attack with over 100 km remaining. The boldness of a move so far from home is part of what makes champions. He was joined briefly by teammates and hopefuls, but by 66 km to go, he was on his own, riding a masterclass in pacing, self-belief, and endurance.

Behind him, chase groups fractured under pressure. Evenepoel led what was left of the peloton’s effort, but the gap proved insurmountable. Ben Healy, often under the radar, capitalized on his consistency and tactics to get onto the podium slot—seizing a moment few saw coming.

Why This Victory Resonates

Pogacar’s win is more than a title defense; it’s a statement. On a course designed to punish, he didn’t just survive—he dominated. He made the rainbow jersey his own in 2024, and in 2025 he proved it wasn’t a fluke.

It’s also symbolic in another way: on African soil, the global stage expanded. Cycling’s historic exclusion of the continent from marquee events showed cracks this week, and Pogacar’s win amidst a jubilant, passionate crowd is part of that narrative shift.

Moreover, his 2025 season has already been dazzling: a fourth Tour de France victory, Monument success in classics, and now a world championship—he has displayed rare versatility across stage races and one-day battles.

The Contenders, The Fallen, The Charge

Evenepoel entered as a favorite, fresh off a commanding time trial performance and known for his power and fearlessness. He tried to chase, but the terrain and Pogacar’s gap were too steep a climb. He nevertheless reaffirmed his status as one of cycling’s elite challengers.

Ben Healy’s result will echo for years. He quietly clawed through fatigue, tactical splits, and the weight of long climbs. For Ireland, his bronze signals resurgence, bridging past glories to a new generation.

Isaac del Toro, a young Mexican rider, attracted attention for his role in an early phase of Pogacar’s move. After the race, del Toro addressed speculation that he had “worked for” Pogacar, attributing his eventual drop to stomach troubles that forced him to back off in the latter kilometers. His energy in the first half of the race was nonetheless a sign of his rising potential.

What’s Next?

Pogacar’s season isn’t over yet. With Lombardia and late-season races ahead, more chances await to add to his already tremendous haul. The pedestal is high—and expectations with it.

Will challengers regroup? Evenepoel certainly will. He’s tasted the control he can exert in a time trial and will refine his approach in one-days and championship races. Healy and others will aim to build momentum from their breakouts.

On the broader stage, hosting the world championships in Africa may open doors to new courses, new fanbases, and renewed conversations about globalization in cycling.

Pogacar’s defense is robust. His ambition is boundless. The cycling world watches.