Pogačar Reigns Supreme Again: Slovenian Star Defends Men’s Elite Road Race World Title in Kigali
Tadej Pogačar has cemented his place among the all-time greats of cycling after retaining his Men’s Elite Road Race World Championship crown in Kigali, Rwanda. The Slovenian champion stunned the peloton once again with a daring solo attack launched with more than 100 kilometers to go, repeating the audacious strategy that won him the rainbow jersey in 2024.
The Rwandan capital buzzed with excitement as fans lined the challenging, undulating course, eagerly awaiting a showdown between Pogačar and Belgian rival Remco Evenepoel. The narrative of the week was already written: Evenepoel had bested Pogačar in the individual time trial earlier, leaving the Slovenian with a score to settle. On Sunday, he delivered the perfect response.
From the moment the race entered the decisive circuits, Pogačar took control. A stinging attack on the Mur de Kigali — the same climb he criticized earlier for its early positioning — shattered the calm. Only a select group of contenders, including Evenepoel, Jai Hindley, Tom Pidcock, Mattias Skjelmose, and Ben Healy, tried to hold the pace. But when Pogačar turned the screw once more, the elastic finally snapped.
With over 100 km still remaining, many thought the move reckless. Yet those who have followed Pogačar’s career knew better. His unmatched ability to sustain high power over long solo efforts made him untouchable. Behind, Evenepoel organized a determined chase, but the Belgian could never bring the gap under one minute. Every lap, Pogačar looked more confident, feeding off the roars of the Kigali crowds draped in Slovenian flags.
By the final circuits, the race was all but decided. Evenepoel, valiant in his pursuit, had to settle for silver, while Pidcock produced a gritty ride to snatch bronze. The peloton, scattered across the Rwandan hills, could only admire the sheer brilliance unfolding ahead.
Crossing the line alone, arms stretched wide and rainbow jersey secured once more, Pogačar etched his name deeper into cycling history. At just 27 years old, he now boasts two consecutive World Road Race titles, alongside his Tour de France and Monument victories.
Speaking at the finish, an emotional Pogačar said:
> “This is unbelievable. To win here again, in Rwanda, in front of such incredible fans, it’s a dream. After the time trial, I wanted revenge, and I think I showed today what I’m capable of. Remco pushed me to my best, and this victory is for my team and my country.”
The victory not only highlights Pogačar’s tactical brilliance but also his relentless hunger for success. In an era where cycling is bursting with talent, he continues to redefine what is possible. Rwanda, hosting its first-ever World Championships, will forever be remembered as the stage where Pogačar’s legend grew even larger.
With back-to-back rainbow jerseys, the question now is not whether Pogačar can be stopped — but how long he will keep rewriting cycling’s history.
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