Pogačar Holds One-Minute Lead with 60km Remaining in Kigali Showdown
With just four laps and 60 kilometers remaining in the 2025 UCI Road World Championships road race in Kigali, Tadej Pogačar has once again stamped his authority on the peloton. The defending world champion launched a bold move earlier in the race and now holds a precisely timed one-minute advantage over a formidable chasing group featuring Remco Evenepoel, Jai Hindley, Tom Pidcock, Mattias Skjelmose, and Ben Healy.
The Mur de Kigali and the relentless Rwandan heat have begun to take their toll, with riders scattered across the course. Yet Pogačar’s attack was timed to perfection, capitalizing on a moment of hesitation in the bunch. The Slovenian, already a two-time Tour de France winner and last year’s rainbow jersey holder, is gambling on endurance and tactical discipline to defend his crown.
Behind, the chase is far from over. Evenepoel, who looked sharp in the earlier laps, continues to motivate his companions, urging collaboration in an attempt to claw back Pogačar’s gap. The Belgian knows the terrain suits a late counterattack, but with Hindley, Pidcock, Skjelmose, and Healy also eyeing podium places, alliances could shift rapidly.
Spectators lining the Kigali circuit are witnessing a tactical masterclass. If Pogačar maintains his rhythm, he may write another historic chapter, but the strength and depth of the chase means the outcome remains finely balanced.
The final 60 kilometers promise fireworks. With Evenepoel still looking dangerous, Hindley climbing with resilience, and the explosive finishing speed of Pidcock lurking, Pogačar cannot afford a single mistake. Rwanda’s challenging course is known for dramatic finales—and this race is shaping up to deliver another.
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