“It’s a very difficult course” – Plapp targets podium as Evenepoel and Pogacar fight for time trial glory

Luke Plapp will start Sunday’s World Championship time trial in Kigali as an outsider, but the Australian is determined to test himself against the best on one of the most demanding courses ever seen at a Worlds. Remco Evenepoel is chasing a third consecutive rainbow jersey, yet the undulating 40.6-kilometre route at altitude has many suggesting Tadej Pogacar could be the rider to beat. With so much climbing involved, Plapp knows a podium bid will be a formidable challenge.

“It’s a very difficult course, it’s going to be a very tough race,” Plapp told Cycling Pro after reconnoitring the Kigali circuit. “It’s a bit better for the climbers; Remco and Pogi will be licking their lips at this stage. There’s a lot of climbing, a lot of time spent standing on the pedals, and the descents are so fast that recovery time is very short.”

The profile justifies his assessment. Riders will climb almost 700 metres in total, beginning with the Côte de Nyanza at 2.5 kilometres and nearly six percent before tackling the same hill again from the other side. Later comes the Côte de Péage, two kilometres at six percent, and finally the cobbled Côte de Kimihurura, 1.3 kilometres at over six percent, before the uphill drag to the Kigali Convention Centre. The layout rewards those who can climb and pace rather than pure specialists.

Plapp has been preparing for this race alongside Jay Vine, who underlined his form with an impressive time trial at the Vuelta a España where he was only beaten by Filippo Ganna. By contrast, Plapp has been quieter, last racing at the Clasica San Sebastian where he placed seventh. “San Sebastian was a while ago, so I’m just trying to get my body moving again and get back into the mindset to race. I can’t wait, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

His ambitions remain grounded. “I just want to ride my best race today and see what it brings. Pogi and Remco, and even Jay, are clearly at the top. They’re going to fight for it. If I ride my best, I’m curious to see what it’s worth.”