"World champion in the 70+ kilogram category!" - Toms Skujins produces epic display in Kigali to claim World Championship top-5

Toms Skujins endured one of the toughest races of his career to finish fifth in the 2025 World Championships road race in Kigali, crossing the line 6:41 behind Tadej Pogacar. While the medals had already been decided by the time he reached the final laps, the Latvian delivered a performance that underlined his endurance, resilience, and tactical nous over the punishing Rwandan parcours.

“The final felt like a triathlon in the end,” Skujins reflected in conversation with Cycling Pro Net afterwards. “Everybody finished by themselves. It was obviously going to be a very hard race. I didn’t see much around me, but clearly today was on another level. Not many had the legs to follow him, and he just showed he’s the best in the world.”

Despite missing out on the podium, Skujins remained proud of his own showing. “Once I was in the group I was in, I tried to do the best I could. All the medals were gone by then, unfortunately, but a fifth place is respectable. Looking at the top 10, it’s pure climbers, so I’ll take that as a good result.”

Skujins admitted the intensity of the course took its toll, both physically and mentally. “I’m just tired, really. But it was a good race, and I’m happy with my effort. It’s been an intense week, and I gave it my all,” he said.

He also brought a touch of humour to his post-race reflections, declaring: “I think I can call myself the world champion in the 70+ kilogram category!” The quip highlighted his pride in completing the punishing course while maintaining a strong performance relative to his weight category and the elite field.

For Skujins, the 2025 Kigali Worlds represented both a personal test and a reminder of the calibre of competition at the very top. Even as Pogacar soared to a second Rainbow Jersey and the battle for the remaining podium places unfolded, the Latvian delivered a performance worthy of recognition, cementing his place among the world’s top climbers and seasoned riders capable of enduring the most attritional of races.

Skujins’ finish in fifth place, coupled with his grit and tactical awareness, ensured he left Kigali with both respect from his peers and a clear marker for his continued ambitions in the elite ranks.