Merciless Gravel - Kalamata, Greece, Nov 6-9 - REGISTER NOW!
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Bad Day for Pogacar As Evenepoel and Reusser Claim ITT World Titles

Bad Day for Pogacar As Evenepoel and Reusser Claim ITT World Titles

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s elite Individual Time Trial (ITT) at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, his third in a row, while Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser claimed the women’s title as the championships marked the first time the event was held in Africa

Bad Day for Pogacar As Evenepoel and Reusser Claim ITT World Titles

Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, a pre-race favorite, rode strongly but fell short of the podium, finishing fourth after a dramatic final climb.

Evenepoel completed the 40.6 km course in 49:46, crossing the finish at Kigali Convention Centre to secure his third consecutive ITT world title after wins in Glasgow (2023) and Zurich (2024). The race’s decisive moment came in the final 2.2 kilometers on the cobbled climb, when Evenepoel — wearing the Olympic champion’s golden helmet — closed a gap on Pogacar and overtook him before the finish. Pogacar completed the course in 52:23, 2 minutes and 37 seconds behind Evenepoel.

“For sure, it’s a hard one to swallow,” Pogacar said after the race.

Evenepoel described a race plan built on early aggression and careful recovery on descents: “I felt pretty good straight away. On the first flat part, I felt that the legs were turning. I was holding my pace without going over the limit. And then, the first climb of the day was actually quite hard, together with the last two ones, so I really pushed it there. I just wanted to keep a pace that I could hold until the bottom of Peage, and then I just went flat out on every climb.” Reflecting on the catch, he added, “On a day like today, it doesn't matter who it is. But I just wanted to push as hard as possible from the first climb on.”

Evenepoel secured his third consecutive ITT world title

The women’s time trial saw Marlen Reusser take top honors with a powerful, steady ride over the same technical route, further cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable time-trial specialists. Both titles underscore a broader theme of precision, power and tactical climbing on a challenging course that combined flat sections, technical descents, and steep cobbled ascents.

Kigali’s hosting of the UCI Road World Championships brought global attention to African cycling infrastructure and fan engagement, drawing enthusiastic crowds and creating memorable racing moments. The dramatic exchanges on the final climb highlighted the narrow margins that decide world titles and produced a striking image: Evenepoel in full pursuit and Pogacar, usually untouchable, pushed to his limits.

2025 UCI Elite Men Time Trial Top 10 Men

1  Evenepoel Remco Belgium 49:46
2  Vine Jay Australia + 01:14
3  Van Wilder Ilan Belgium + 02:36
4  Pogacar Tadej Slovenia + 02:37
5  del Toro Isaac Mexico + 02:40
6  Leknessund Andreas Norway + 02:57
7  Plapp Luke Australia + 03:03
8  Armirail Bruno France + 03:06
9  Arensman Thymen Netherlands + 03:39
10  Küng Stefan Switzerland + 03:49

VIDEO: 2025 UCI Elite Men Time Trial Highlights

 

2025 UCI Elite Men Time Trial Top 10 Women

1  Reusser Marlen Switzerland 43:09
2  van der Breggen Anna Netherlands + 52
3  Vollering Demi Netherlands + 01:05
4  Chapman Brodie Australia + 01:21
5  Aalerud Katrine Norway + 01:24
6  Niedermaier Antonia Germany + 01:29
7  Labous Juliette France + 01:33
8  Henderson Anna Great Britain + 01:38
9  Dygert Chloé USA + 02:25
10  Benito Mireia Spain + 02:32