Pogačar, Vallières Mill Victorious in Historic Road World Champs
Check out how South Africa's top riders fared too!
The final day of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, crowned a modern icon of cycling and brought the curtain down on a historic eight-day event in the “land of a thousand hills.”
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar once again proved untouchable. Already the 2024 Men’s Elite road race world champion in Zurich, he doubled up with another dazzling performance, attacking with more than 100km to go and riding the final 77km solo to secure his second rainbow jersey.
Pogačar’s dominance continues to etch his name into history. Last season he became only the third rider to win the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and World Championship road race in a single year. With another Tour victory in 2025, he is now the first rider to claim back-to-back Tour de France and World Championship doubles.
“It was an incredible experience and a successful week.”
“I was alone quite early, and I was fighting with myself like last year,” Pogačar said afterwards. “For sure, I doubted. The climbs were getting harder every lap, but you just have to push through. It was an incredible experience and a successful week.”
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, fresh from winning the individual time trial title earlier in the week, claimed silver at 1’28’’. Ireland’s Ben Healy completed the podium a further 48 seconds back.
South Africa’s sole representative, Byron Munton, rode strongly on Kigali’s demanding circuit. Although pulled before the 10-minute time cut, he showed great form in taking on one of the toughest World Championship courses to date. He finished a credible 20th in last week’s individual time trial.
It was the first time in history that Africa played host to the World Championships, and Rwanda rose to the occasion. Kigali’s rolling circuits and relentless climbs showcased world-class racing, while the vibrant local support created an unforgettable atmosphere that riders and fans alike described as electric.
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The Women’s Race
In the women’s road race, Magdeleine Vallières Mill delivered a breakthrough ride to become the first Canadian Elite road race World Champion. The 24-year-old made the decisive move on the final climb, shaking off her rivals to cross the line solo. Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand secured silver, while Spain’s Mavi García took bronze.
South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio put in a strong performance, finishing 29th (+6:26), continuing her remarkable consistency on the world stage.
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How did SA’s top riders fare?
ITT
Men: 20 Byron Munton +5:05
Women Under 23: 31 Sonica Klopper +6:28
Men Under 23: 19 Pedri Crause +3:31; 23 Joshua Dike +4:21
Women Junior: 35 Megan Botha +4:01; 42 Errin Mackridge +6:24
Men Junior: 25 Josh Johnson +1:47
Road Race
Women Under 23: Sonica Klopper DNF
Men Junior: 35 Josh Johnson +4:58; 54 Alexander Erasmus +11:20; 58 Matthew Horter +11:49
Men Under 23: Blaine Kieck +12:17; Joshua Dike DNF, Pedri Crause DNF, Warren Moolman DNF
Women Junior: Megan Botha DNF, Errin Mackridge DNF
Women Elite: 29 Ashleigh Moolman Pasion +6:26
Men Elite: Byron Munton DNF
Click here for the full results
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