"Healy can definitely medal": Ireland confident about challenging Tadej Pogacar at World Championships in Kigali

The World Road Cycling Championships 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting competitions in recent years, with the Rwanda circuit, known for its demanding mountainous profile, shaping up to be a favorable terrain for reigning champion Tadej Pogacar.

However, the eyes are also on other competitors that could challenge the Slovenian, among them, the Irish team, which has strong cards in its team. One of the most expected figures in the Irish squad is Ben Healy, who has proven to be one of the best one-day riders, able to make long attacks and make a difference in key events.

The Irishman, who has had a standout performance in the 2025 Tour de France, with stage wins and his historic victory in the Itzulia Basque Country, is tipped by teammate Eddie Dunbar as one of Ireland's top medal options in Kigali.

"Healy is definitely someone who could medal," Dunbar told Cyclingnews during the recent Vuelta a España, highlighting his compatriot's impressive victories at the Giro d'Italia and the Basque race, where his 124-kilometer solo win set an all-time record.

Despite his success, Healy is aware that Ireland's aspirations are not limited to him alone. Dunbar, who will be competing in his fourth World Championships, stresses that the team's key is to have "numerous riders at the back end of the race," looking to have several of his men present at the decisive moments.

For Ireland, one of the biggest challenges will be facing Pogacar, who has dominated the cycling scene in recent years and is considered the best long-distance attack specialist. According to Dunbar, the teams' strategy will be simple: "The only thing you can do is try to hold on when he goes. If you can, it means you're on a good day. If not, that's cycling."

Pogacar has more than once demonstrated his ability to control races and launch devastating attacks, so the Irish tactic doesn't deviate too far from the usual in high-level racing: limit damage and try to stay close to the champion. "He's the best cyclist that ever lived," Dunbar said.

The 2025 World Cycling Championships in Rwanda, the first to be held in Africa, also presents logistical challenges, although Dunbar stresses that preparation for the race has been relatively straightforward. "It's a long journey, but there are no major complications," he explained. In addition, the issue of altitude, with the course situated at around 1,500 meters above sea level, does not appear to be a significant problem for the runner, who says he feels ready to take on the challenge.

The World Championships is always a special event for any cyclist, and the Irish team is no stranger to this excitement. Although the team is going in with the hope that Ben Healy can take the medal, Dunbar stresses that the competition itself is one of the most attractive on the calendar. "It's a completely different race, with a unique level of rivalry. Everyone wants to wear the rainbow jersey," the cyclist noted.