"I had the sense I could ride with Tadej, but cycling is a mechanical sport" - Remco Evenepoel claims silver in Kigali despite three bike changes

Remco Evenepoel had set out in Kigali with the hope of doubling up at the 2025 World Championships, aiming to add the elite men’s road race to his rainbow-striped time trial hat-trick. In the end, the Belgian star had to settle for silver, 1 minute 28 seconds behind Tadej Pogacar, but his performance under extraordinary circumstances demonstrated both resilience and tactical intelligence.

“I had the sense I could ride with Tadej, but cycling is a mechanical sport,” Evenepoel admitted in conversation with Cycling Pro Net after crossing the line.

The day had thrown every challenge imaginable at the Belgian, beginning with a crash that saw him lose his teammate Ilan Van Wilder early on. The decisive moment came on the Mont Kigali climb, when Evenepoel’s saddle dropped after hitting a hole in the road. “During the climb, I was cramping in the back of my legs because my position was completely off,” he explained. “I could follow the attack for maybe half a minute, but then I was completely cramping. I just had to fight to the top, knowing there would be a bike ready in the feed zone.”

Evenepoel’s mechanical woes didn’t end there. After switching bikes once, he immediately noticed that the saddle on his third machine was misaligned, causing sharp lower-back pain. “I rode one lap, but every kilometre made it worse, so I had to change again,” he said. “Without radio communication, I couldn’t warn the team in advance, so I had to manage it as best I could.” Despite these setbacks, he remained composed, riding back to the chasing group and using teammate Quinten Hermans’ support to bridge back to the front.

Evenepoel’s determination shone brightest in the closing laps. While Pogacar had launched his long-range solo to secure the win, Evenepoel led the chase behind, pulling a select group including Ben Healy, Mattias Skjelmose, and others. The Belgian’s pace proved decisive, ensuring that even after three bike changes, he crossed the line with the silver firmly in hand. “Of course I came to take the double,” he said. “But everything needs to be perfect to become world champion. Overall, I’m very happy with how the week went with the staff and riders.”

The 2025 World Championship course in Kigali had proven brutally selective: long climbs, technical descents, and cobbled sectors made for a race of attrition that left few opportunities for error. Evenepoel’s ability to manage mechanical setbacks while maintaining a high pace highlights why he remains one of cycling’s elite competitors.

Looking ahead, Evenepoel is already planning for the remainder of the season, including the two European Championships and Il Lombardia. “I want to keep this momentum going,” he said. “Winning revenge on Sunday isn’t necessarily about beating Tadej — the competition will be very high — but the rainbow jersey is the only one I’ve been missing, and along with the Worlds, the European titles were really important for me this season.”

Despite the obstacles, silver in Kigali cements Evenepoel’s standing at the top of the sport. He may not have taken the double, but his resilience, tactical acumen, and raw strength under pressure provided a masterclass in overcoming adversity at the highest level of cycling.