"It was always on the cards" – Confident Jakob Söderqvist had no doubts before dominant Kigali Worlds U23 time trial victory

Jakob Söderqvist delivered on his status as overwhelming favourite in the under-23 men’s time trial at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, powering to a resounding victory that he insists was never in doubt.

The Swede destroyed the competition on the rolling 36km course, finishing more than a minute ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pringle and France’s Maxime Decomble to claim the Rainbow Jersey. His splits told the story of complete control: 14:22 at the first check, 23 seconds faster than anyone else, then half a minute clear of the rest of the field by the second time point. In essence, long before he reached the line, the result was a formality.

“It was always on the cards,” Soderqvist reflected to Cycling Pro Net after pulling on the rainbow stripes. “I never doubted that I could win it – especially with the level I’ve found this year in time trials. Of course the pressure can create doubts, but I managed it well and I’m proud of that.”

Soderqvist’s confidence was matched by the fluency of his performance. Where others faded against the attritional course and the Rwandan altitude, the 20-year-old only grew stronger, riding with the poise of a rider who knew the outcome was already sealed.

Beyond the result, he emphasised how much he has enjoyed his time in Kigali. “I’ve really absorbed a lot of energy from the surroundings here,” he said. “The people are lovely, the crowds were amazing – it gave me extra energy today, and I think that showed in my ride.”

A former mountain biker, Soderqvist is still carving out his identity on the road. While time trials currently fit him most naturally, he sees a broader future. “I’m working towards becoming a Classics specialist, and maybe even a stage race contender with my TT abilities. There are many projects ahead, and I’m excited for the rest of my career,” he explained.

Attention now turns to Friday’s road race, where he will line up with the confidence of a world champion but a realistic sense of the challenge. “For sure it will take something extra, but I don’t think it’s impossible to have another successful ride. I’ll try to refocus and come in with the same mentality,” Soderqvist said.

On the evidence of his total domination in this first race of the Kigali World, few would bet against him making another impact.