Cycling: World Number One, Tadej Pogačar, Arrives in Kigali for the World Championships

GATEOFWISE.COM

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar, who has long held the number one spot in world cycling rankings, arrived in Kigali on the evening of Thursday, September 18, 2025. The 26-year-old comes to take part in the UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in Rwanda from September 21–28, 2025, marking the first time the event takes place in Africa.

Pogačar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates XRG, will represent Slovenia at the championships. He is part of a nine-man national team that includes other big names such as Primož Roglič, alongside Matej Mohorič, Domen Novak, Luka Mezgec, Matevž Govekar, Gal Glivar, Jaka Primožič, and Matic Žumer.

The Slovenian superstar recently won the Tour de France back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, bringing his career tally to four. He also claimed the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zürich, Switzerland, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation.

In Kigali, the championships’ routes are expected to be highly demanding, featuring iconic climbs such as Norvège and the Mur de Kigali (Kwa Mutwe), which will test even the strongest riders. With his exceptional climbing ability, Pogačar is considered the top favorite to win again.

He will compete in only two races: the Individual Time Trial on the opening day and the elite men’s road race on the final day.

Pogačar’s arrival in Rwanda is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the world. Kigali, already known for hosting international competitions like the Tour du Rwanda, now takes center stage as the cycling capital of Africa. Hosting Pogačar and other global stars brings great pride to Rwanda and highlights its growing status in the world of cycling.