Africa-Press – Rwanda. President Paul Kagame, together with Prince Albert II of Monaco and UCI President David Lappartient, attended the closing ceremony of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships which ended with Tadej Pogačar retaining the rainbow jersey in Kigali.
The week-long global cycling event, hosted on African soil for the first time, saw Pogačar defend his title in spectacular fashion, conquering the grueling 267.5-kilometer course in six hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds.
Sunday’s finale drew huge crowds of cycling enthusiasts who lined the official race routes. From the Kigali Convention Centre to Kabuga ka Nyarutama, through the Golf Course, Kacyiru, Kimihurura, and the iconic cobbled climb of Kimihurura, fans cheered relentlessly during the decisive laps.
Nyabugogo’s fan zone was another vibrant scene, showcasing Rwanda’s passion for cycling. In the afternoon, thousands packed the Norvège to Mont Kigali climb, turning it into a carnival of cycling spirit. The famous Mur de Kigali, often the race’s turning point, was equally filled with jubilant supporters, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
PICTORIAL: UCI 2025 DAY-6: Two Rwandans cross the finish line as British and Italian riders claim gold
The 2025 edition concluded with Pogačar taking gold, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel securing silver, and Britain’s Ben Healy clinching bronze.
Out of 165 riders who started, only 31 managed to finish, with none of the six Rwandans completing the race.
Riders before the final race on Sunday, September 28. Out of 165 riders who started, only 31 managed to finish, with none of the six Rwandans completing the race. Olivier Mugwiza
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, UCI President David Lappartient, and Prince Albert II of Monaco and State Minister Ngarambe pose for a photo before the race.
The Sunday’s showdown hugely attracted thousands of cycling enthusiasts, lining along the official roads.
Riders in peloton during the second lap of the race on Sunday, September 28. Dan Gatsinzi
The cobbled street of Kimihurura. The Sunday’s showdown hugely attracted thousands of cycling enthusiasts, lining along the official roads
Some fans interact at Kimihurura fan zone
Fans of Team Belgium at Kimihurura along Cote de Kimihurura.
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar celebrates his crucial victory to be crowned UCI Road World Champion in Kigali on Sunday, September 28. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
Team Rwanda rider Eric Manizabayo during the race
Team Rwanda’s Eric Manizabayo rides in a breakaway
Cycling fans flock the streets to watch the Elite Men’s road race on Sunday
Aerial picturesque view of Nyabugogo. Nyabugogo’s fan zone was another vibrant scene, showcasing Rwanda’s passion for cycling. Courtesy
Isaac del Toro Romero (Mexico) and Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar climb the cobbled street of Mur de Kigali in Nyarugenge on Sunday. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
Mur de Kigali. Sunday’s finale drew huge crowds of cycling enthusiasts who lined the official race routes.
The famous Mur de Kigali, often the race’s turning point, was equally filled with jubilant supporters, adding to the electrifying atmosphere.
Thousands of cycling enthusiasts cheer on riders while climbing Mur de Kigali on Sunday, September 28. Photos by Dan Gatsinzi
Thousands of fans at KCC at the conclusion of UCI Road World Championships on Sunday, September 28. Dan Gatsinzi
World number one Tadej Pogačar produced a stunning solo ride to win his second world road race title and cap off a “perfect season” in Kigali on Sunday, September 28.
Pogačar retained his title, completing the grueling 267.5-kilometer course in six hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds.
Sunday’s finale drew huge crowds of cycling enthusiasts who lined the official race routes.
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar celebrates his victory to be crowned UCI Road World Champion in Kigali on Sunday, September 28. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
President Paul Kagame, UCI President David Lappartient, and Prince Albert II of Monaco cheer for champion Tadej Pogačar after he crossed the finish line on Sunday, September 28. Photo by Djasari Shumbusho
Thousands of fans during the closing ceremony at KCC
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar after crossing the finish line to win the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. Dan Gatsinzi
His Belgian rival Remco Evenepoel, who had embarrassed him in the “Time Trial” race held on the first day on Sunday, September 21, finished second with one minute and 26 seconds behind the world champion
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel securing silver
President Paul Kagame, franked by UCI President David Lappartient, awards Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar
President Paul Kagame, alongside UCI President David Lappartient, awards Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar after his victory at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali on Sunday, September 28. Photo by Village Urugwiro
photographers on duty during the awarding ceremony at KCC.
President Paul Kagame and UCI President David Lappartient congratulate Tadej Pogačar after his victory at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali on Sunday, September 28
Kagame, Lappartient and Prince Albert II, the Monaco royal interact at the event
The 2025 edition concluded with Pogačar taking gold, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel securing silver, and Britain’s Ben Healy clinching bronze.
Team Belgium on the podium at the closing ceremony
Sunday’s finale drew huge crowds of cycling enthusiasts who lined the official race routes.
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