"We have to be conservative until Mount Kigali" – Remco Evenepoel ready to battle Pogacar for world championships glory

Remco Evenepoel begins the men’s road race at the 2025 World Championships in Kigali as one of the strongest contenders to unseat defending champion Tadej Pogacar. The Belgian already secured his third straight time trial rainbow jersey last weekend, where he famously caught and dropped Pogacar on the course. With that statement win behind him, Evenepoel is now aiming to reclaim the road race world title he first won in 2022.

The Soudal – Quick-Step leader has studied the Rwandan circuit closely and expects the decisive point to come early. "We have to be conservative until Mount Kigali and then pay attention and be ready for many situations," he told Sporza before the start.

Evenepoel was clear about just how brutal that section could be, with the toughest climb on the course appearing more than 100 kilometers from the line. "We definitely have to be alert, because from there on, things will start to explode," he said. He hopes Belgium will still have several riders in play at that stage. "With as many riders as possible, of course. It's hard to predict with the conditions, the altitude, and the pace. A lot can happen, and it can be seriously tough. Including myself, it would be great to conquer it with four riders."

Form is not in question for the 25-year-old, who has won a rainbow jersey every season since 2022. "This is definitely my best form of the season, and I'm close to my career-best form for one-day races. I'm happy with the form I've achieved," he said.

The level of competition is high, and Evenepoel was quick to acknowledge the main threats. Alongside Pogacar, he highlighted recent Vuelta podium finisher Tom Pidcock and 2025 breakout star Isaac Del Toro as riders who could shape the race. He also took note of how the women’s race played out in Kigali the day before, where a surprise breakaway stayed clear. "You saw yesterday that a big breakaway can break away without leaders, and they can stay ahead. We race differently here, but we'll have to pay attention on this stage," Evenepoel said.