“My expectations are high, and I expect a lot" - Confident Tadej Pogacar heads to road race with point to prove after TT disappointment in Kigali

After a subdued showing in the time trial that saw him uncharacteristically caught and passed by Belgian rival Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogacar is back in his element — and back with something to prove. As the defending rainbow jersey prepares for Sunday’s 2025 World Championship road race in Kigali, the Slovenian star isn’t shying away from the pressure.

“My expectations are high, and I expect a lot from my own legs,” Pogacar said confidently in pre-race press conference quotes collected by Sporza. “I’m aiming for the very best.”

The 27-year-old defending champion has spent the past few days quietly fine-tuning his form in Rwanda, brushing off his time trial result — and the narrative that it dented his status as race favourite. “The time trial was something else altogether,” he said. “I came here for the road race.”

Pogacar has looked increasingly at ease since returning to his road bike. While some riders have spoken of fluctuating form amid the altitude and heat of Kigali, the Slovenian appears to have found his rhythm just in time. “After Sunday I was back on my road bike and felt no issues. I’m now fully adapted to the environment, the altitude, and the weather. My legs are turning quite nicely.”

Indeed, his mood was buoyant during media duties, even joking about the challenges of Kigali’s unique conditions. “You race at altitude here and people forget that. It’s not 2,000 metres, but it’s still 1,500 — and you can really feel it. The heat and humidity are tricky too. On the bike, it definitely feels different.”

But far from lamenting the elements, Pogacar has embraced them. “I’m glad I came here early to prepare properly for the road race. Tuesday and Wednesday, I had two of the most enjoyable training rides of the year. I really loved it here.”

The road course in Kigali seems almost tailor-made for a rider of Pogacar’s calibre: punchy climbs, technical sections, and a demanding profile that rewards brave racing. Chief among the challenges is Mount Kigali — a long ascent that many see as a potential launchpad. “On paper, that’s the key climb,” Pogacar agreed. “But it’s a shame it comes so early. It’s still 104 kilometres from the finish. An attack is always possible there if you’ve got the legs, but it could have been much more exciting later in the race. Still, some riders might see it as close enough.”

The Slovenian knows what it means to launch a successful long-range raid — he famously attacked from 100 kilometres out in Zürich. But he was quick to downplay the idea of a repeat. “You can’t always do that,” he smiled. “In Zürich I had Jan Tratnik up front, and I also rode with Pavel Sivakov for a bit. It wasn’t a full solo effort. I had some help — because riding 100k alone isn’t easy.”

After being reeled in by Evenepoel during the time trial, Pogacar was asked directly about the Belgian — and whether there's now a point to prove. “Maybe he wanted some revenge for Peyragudes,” Pogacar laughed, referencing the Tour de France earlier this summer. “He’s clearly shaken off that moment. But maybe Sunday will be my turn to erase a bad memory or two.”

“Remco is flying, no doubt. He’s in shape," added the Slovenian. "But so are my UAE teammates — Isaac Del Toro is strong, and Pavel Sivakov is riding very hard. Still, I need to focus on my own legs.”

That focus — combined with a circuit that suits his characteristics and a renewed edge after Sunday’s setback — could be a dangerous mix for the rest of the peloton.

When asked to compare the Kigali course to previous World Championship routes, Pogacar didn’t hold back. “Wollongong? Where was that again — Australia? Oh no, this is much more fun,” he grinned. “This is ten times better. The course in Australia wasn’t great — no offence to the organisers, but that’s just how I felt.”

Fun it may be, but Sunday’s road race is also being quietly billed as one of the toughest World Championship circuits in recent history. Pogacar, however, isn’t sold on the hype. “On paper, yes, but it’s not a brutal circuit,” he said. “The climbs are short and steep, there’s a fast descent, and some rolling roads where you get some elevation ‘for free’. Mount Kigali makes things more difficult, of course, but we’ll see on Sunday.”

Whatever happens, the reigning champion is ready.