Pogačar Ready to Defend World Title in Kigali: “It Feels Just Like Last Year”
KIGALI, RWANDA – Tadej Pogačar is back where he belongs: at the very heart of the cycling world’s grandest one-day stage. The reigning world champion from Slovenia will roll out in Kigali on Sunday as he attempts to defend the rainbow jersey he claimed in stunning fashion last year. For the 26-year-old UAE Team Emirates rider, the occasion is both familiar and thrilling.
Speaking to Cycling Pro Net ahead of the start, Pogačar admitted the pre-race atmosphere had sparked memories of his previous triumph. “It feels good. It feels like, it’s just the same as last year before the race. So, uh, I’m really excited and I cannot wait to start,” he said with a smile, his relaxed tone masking the immense pressure on his shoulders.
The World Road Championships in Rwanda, the first ever held in Africa, have already been described as historic. For Pogačar, however, history is not enough—he is seeking to etch his name further into the sport’s folklore by becoming one of the few riders to win back-to-back world titles. Only legends such as Paolo Bettini, Oscar Freire, and Peter Sagan have managed such a feat in modern times.
This year’s course promises no shortage of drama. The Kigali circuit, with its sharp ramps, cobbled sectors, and the infamous Mur de Kigali climb, is tailor-made for aggressive racing. Pogačar, known for his explosive accelerations on punishing gradients, will look to use the terrain to his advantage. Still, the competition is fierce. Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, and Jonas Vingegaard are all tipped as major contenders, each eager to deny Pogačar a repeat victory.
Beyond the tactical battles, the Slovenian has spoken of the emotional resonance of racing in Rwanda. The “Land of a Thousand Hills” has embraced the World Championships with fervent passion, and crowds are expected to line the roads in record numbers. “You can already feel the energy here,” Pogačar noted. “It’s special for cycling, and I’m proud to be part of this.”
Team UAE Emirates has built a strong squad around him, focusing on protecting their leader until the decisive moments. Yet Pogačar himself is aware that world championships often unfold in unpredictable fashion. “It’s always chaos. You need good legs, but you also need to be smart and a bit lucky,” he explained.
For fans, the intrigue is whether Pogačar can handle the immense pressure of wearing the rainbow stripes while facing the combined firepower of rival nations. His recent form, including solid showings in warm-up races, suggests he is ready. However, cycling’s greatest one-day test has a reputation for upsets.
Regardless of the outcome, Pogačar’s presence ensures Sunday’s spectacle will command global attention. Already considered one of the finest riders of his generation, his drive to add another world title underlines his hunger for legacy. As he lines up in Kigali, the question is clear: can he turn déjà vu into history?
One thing is certain—when the race begins, Tadej Pogačar will be more than just a defending champion. He will be the rider every rival has to beat.
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