The Belgian star secures his third consecutive time trial world title while Switzerland’s Reusser wins her first following a thrilling duel in Kigali.
In a remarkable display of power and precision, Remco Evenepoel retained his world time trial championship on September 21 at the World Road Cycling Championships in Kigali, Rwanda — the first time the event has been hosted in Africa. Covering a grueling 40.6km course that included four steep climbs and 680 meters of elevation, Evenepoel completed the race in 49 minutes and 46 seconds, becoming the only rider to break the 50-minute barrier.
Starting 2 minutes and 30 seconds behind, Evenepoel gradually clawed back time on his rivals, overtaking Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar with less than two kilometers to go — a moment that underscored his sheer dominance in the discipline. Australia’s Jay Vine finished second, over a minute behind, while Evenepoel’s compatriot Ilan Van Wilder took an impressive third place. Pogacar, celebrating his 27th birthday on race day, finished fourth, missing the podium by a narrow margin.
Wearing a distinctive gold helmet to highlight his Olympic champion status, Evenepoel powered through every segment of the time trial, managing his effort carefully through the arduous cobbled sections that challenged even the best in the world. His victory marks a historic achievement as he becomes only the third rider — after Tony Martin and Michael Rogers — to win three consecutive world time trial titles.
In the women’s event, Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser claimed her first world title, finishing comfortably ahead of the Netherlands’ Anna van der Breggen and Demi Vollering. Reusser’s win crowned a career highlighted by multiple European championships and Grand Tour stage victories.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Sathya Sansó Amado
