Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia rides during the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

KIGALI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar won the UCI Road World Championships men's elite road race in 6:21:20 over 267.5 km, claiming gold on the final day of the 2025 championships in the Rwandan capital Kigali on Sunday.

Belgium's Remco Evenepoel finished second in 6:22:48 to take silver, while Ireland's Ben Healy claimed bronze in 6:23:36.

"Winning here in Africa, especially in Rwanda, makes this even more special. It's been an incredible experience, truly a successful week," Pogacar told reporters.

The decisive move came on an extra loop that diverted riders from the main Kigali circuit to the steep ascents of Mont Kigali and the Mur de Kigali. Pogacar attacked there, first alongside Mexico's Isaac Del Toro, before going solo on a long-range breakaway that proved decisive. He crossed the finish line with more than a minute's advantage.

Pogacar became the first cyclist to win both the Tour de France and the UCI Road World Championships road race in two consecutive years.

At the medal ceremonies, Rwandan President Paul Kagame presented Pogacar with the gold medal and rainbow jersey, Monaco's Prince Albert II awarded the silver to Evenepoel, and UCI President David Lappartient gave Healy the bronze.

In Saturday's women's race, Canada's Magdeleine Vallieres Mill captured her first world title in 4:34:48 over 164.6 km. She dropped her rivals on the final climb to secure Canada's first-ever gold medal in the elite road race. Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand took silver, while Spain's Mavi Garcia claimed bronze.

At the closing ceremony, Lappartient praised Rwanda's hosting of the event. "This week in Kigali has not only met our expectations; it has gone far beyond them. The cycling family has fallen in love with Rwanda - its countryside, its people, its beauty, its vitality."

Kagame echoed those sentiments at the UCI Gala Dinner on Saturday. "Since day one, UCI has brought excitement and positive energy to the streets of Kigali. The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports. For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration to follow their dreams with sacrifice and endurance - like true champions. To a large extent, that is also the story of Africa as a whole, and Rwanda in particular."

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships, held from Sept. 21 to 28, marked the first time the event has taken place in Africa. Crowds packed the streets of Kigali to witness a historic week for cycling, with Rwanda presenting itself as a vibrant host. ■

Cyclists compete during the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Gold medalist Tadej Pogacar (C) of Slovenia celebrates on the podium with silver medalist Remco Evenepoel (L) of Belgium and bronze medalist Ben Healy of Ireland during the awarding ceremony of the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Cyclists compete during the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Su Haoyu of China (C) rides during the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)

Gold medalist Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia celebrates during the awarding ceremony of the men's elite road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua)