Pogacar and Ferrand-Prevot Favorable for World Championships in Kigali

KIGALI, Rwanda – The world championship road cycling races this weekend in Kigali are expected to favor reigning champions Tadej Pogacar and Pauline Ferrand-Prevot. Both athletes are known for excelling in the challenging terrain and high altitude of the Rwandan hills.

The men’s race, scheduled for September 28, spans an impressive 267.5 kilometers and features 33 climbs over 15 loops. A particularly grueling segment includes a steep cobbled climb.

Pogacar mentioned the local humidity and altitude as factors that could impact performance. “We’re quite high here and you can feel it, not so much walking around, but on the bike. The air quality here in the city is not the best,” he stated. “You feel the difference.”

Adding to Pogacar’s motivation is a recent defeat in a time trial against Remco Evenepoel, who overtook him despite starting 2 minutes and 30 seconds later. “I didn’t catch my rhythm, I didn’t catch my legs. I don’t have any issues now this week. I feel ready,” he expressed.

Evenepoel, who won both the time trial and road race Olympic titles in 2024, aims to repeat this success in the world championships, a feat never before accomplished in the same year.

British cyclist Tom Pidcock pointed out that the course resembles the hilly Tour of Flanders, a race Pogacar has won multiple times. “This cobbled climb is like the ‘Vieux Quaremont’, perfect for Tadej,” said Pidcock, who recently finished third in the Vuelta a España.

Ferrand-Prevot, an athlete in top form, feels confident heading into the women’s race, set for September 27. “I feel very good, unlike the Olympics where I was tired afterwards. Now I’m continuing my momentum,” said the 33-year-old, who has a wealth of experience at altitude from a three-week training camp.

The women’s event covers 164.6 kilometers, with Ferrand-Prevot expecting a challenging yet manageable course. These championships mark the first world cycling event held in Africa, showcasing Kigali’s wide, well-maintained roads.

Last week saw Swiss rider Marlen Reusser win in the women’s time trial, complemented by Australia’s victory in the mixed team relay. As the weekend approaches, cycling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the races ahead.