Pogacar to challenge Evenepoel in time trial at Rwanda Worlds

The Slovenian superstar's decision to tackle the 40.6km time trial course in Kigali could prove significant, as the challenging terrain featuring 680 metres of elevation gain which appears perfectly suited to his climbing abilities.

The 40.6 kilometre route starts from the Kigali Convention Centre and includes two notable climbs from the road race circuit plus the Côte de Nyanza, which riders will ascend from both directions – first as a 2.5km climb at 5.8%, then later as a 6.6km climb averaging 3.5%.

Pogačar has competed in the World ITT on three previous occasions, with his best result being a sixth-place finish in Wollongong (Australia 2022), a 10th in Bruges (Belgium 2021) and 21st in Glasgow (Scotland 2023). In 2025, however, Pogačar has displayed some positive performances in individual time trial, especially within the 2025 Tour de France, where the Slovenian took home a 2nd place on a flat parcours and of course, the romping on the Peyragudes time trial.

While Evenepoel remains the top favourite to defend his title from Zurich, the hilly Rwandan course offers Pogačar his best chance yet to claim the rainbow jersey in this discipline to complement his road race jersey.

Pogačar will be Slovenia's sole representative in the elite men's time trial. His compatriot Primož Roglič will skip the ITT but plans to compete in the road race on September 28, likely to be in support of launching Pogačar to glory, but Roglič's ability is not to be underestimated.

The World Championships form part of a packed late-season schedule for Pogačar, who will first race at the Canadian classics in Montreal and Québec before heading to Rwanda, then the European Championships in the Ardèche, before finally closing his season at Il Lombardia on October 11.

• Tadej Pogačar  (ITT and RR)
• Primož Roglič
• Matic Žumer
• Jaka Primožič
• Matevž Govekar
• Gal Glivar
• Domen Novak
• Matej Mohorič