The Slovenian superstar is the five-star favorite to win a second world title, but could an outsider pull off the shocker? His own UAE teammates might be his most dangerous rivals.
Evenepoel is a threat to win the road title. (Photo: Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Published September 27, 2025 01:29PM
The UCI road cycling world championships reach a crescendo Sunday with the elite men’s road race.
After a week of thrilling races, often times producing some surprising winners, the big question for Sunday is can anyone stop Tadej Pogačar?
The defending champion is looking to cap what’s been a near-perfect season with a title defense in Kigali. And while he faltered in the time trial, he rarely misses on cycling’s biggest stage.
Could Pogačar misread the race?
Remco Evenepoel looms as the biggest threat. Juan Ayuso brings confidence, and Mexico’s Isaac del Toro is the wild card unknown. Ben Healy could be the outlier no one’s thinking of, while Team USA will count on Kevin Vermaerke and Quinn Simmons to go deep.
Sunday’s elite men’s road race in Kigali could be one of the toughest in world championship history. The 268km circuit packs nearly 6,000 meters of climbing, with the Côte de Kimihurura will up the lactate lap after lap.
Cook up some popcorn and kick back, because this one will almost be seven hours long.
Day 1 – Sunday, September 21
Women Elite Individual Time Trial: Marlen Reussen
Men Elite Individual Time Trial: Remco Evenepoel
Day 2 – Monday, September 22
Women Under-23 Individual Time Trial: Zoe Bäckstedt
Men Under-23 Individual Time Trial: Jakob Söderqvist
Day 3 – Tuesday, September 23
Women Junior Individual Time Trial: Megan Arens
Men Junior Individual Time Trial: Michiel Mouris
Day 4 – Wednesday, September 24
Mixed Relay Team Time Trial: Australia
Day 5 – Thursday, September 25
Women Under-23 Road Race: Célia Gery
Day 6 – Friday, September 26
Men Junior Road Race: Harry Hudson
Men Under-23 Road Race: Lorenzo Finn
Day 7 – Saturday, September 27
Women Junior Road Race: Paula Ostiz
Women Elite Road Race: Magdeleine Vallieres
Day 8 – Sunday, September 28
09:45 – Men Elite Road Race