“Tadej is one of the greatest sportsmen I’ve ever seen, and Remco’s not far behind" – Ben Healy caps 'crazy' season with World Championship bronze in Kigali

Ben Healy has capped an extraordinary season with a superb performance at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, securing the bronze medal behind Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel. The Irishman, who had already impressed with a Tour de France stage win and a spell in the yellow jersey earlier this year, described the achievement as “pretty special” and a fitting reward for months of hard work.

“This season has just kept getting crazier,” Healy smiled in a post-race interview with Cycling Pro Net. “From the stage win and yellow jersey in the Tour to now standing on the Worlds podium, it’s hard to compare. But to be up there with Remco and Tadej, it’s just incredible.”

The men’s road race in Kigali was a brutal test of endurance, with long climbs, technical descents, and cobbled sectors demanding every ounce of strength from the riders. Pogacar launched a long-range attack on Mont Kigali, quickly shedding most of the chasing riders and ultimately riding solo to secure a dominant victory. Behind him, Evenepoel overcame a series of mechanical problems, including three bike changes, to claim silver in a display of resilience and raw power.

Healy, meanwhile, held his own in the chase behind, staying in the leading group and riding tactically to secure the third step of the podium. His performance under such challenging conditions demonstrated not just physical strength, but also strategic intelligence, carefully managing his efforts on the climbs and the cobbles.

Part of Healy’s edge came from meticulous preparation. “The course is very specific, with slow, steep climbs and hot weather,” he explained. “My speed suit was customised for today, and it really helped on those long efforts.” The combination of equipment and planning allowed Healy to stay in contention when others faded, keeping him in touch with Evenepoel and Skjelmose as the kilometres wore on.

For Healy, the emotional highlight was the podium itself. “Tadej is one of the greatest sportsmen I’ve ever seen, and Remco’s not far behind him,” he reflected. “To stand on the podium with both of them is just insane. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.” Even while celebrating, Healy remained grounded, acknowledging that there is still more to achieve. “I’m still a couple of minutes off them, so we’ll take this as motivation and keep working hard.”

Healy’s bronze in Kigali is a testament to a season of remarkable achievements and resilience under pressure. From the Tour de France to the cobbles and climbs of Rwanda, he has proven he can compete with the best in the world, and his performance will give him momentum heading into the remaining races of the season.