Overview

• The championships begin the week of 21 September in Rwanda, the first time cycling’s world championships are held on the African continent.
• The elite men’s time trial is a 40.6 km route in Kigali featuring 680 meters of climbing, four ascents, and a late cobbled ramp in Kimihurura.
• Remco Evenepoel enters as favorite for a third consecutive world time-trial title, facing Tadej Pogacar on terrain seen as suiting the Belgian.
• Hosting has drawn political scrutiny over President Paul Kagame’s governance and alleged support for the M23 militia, with the European Parliament urging cancellation as the UCI insisted the event proceed.
• Despite earlier safety concerns during the Tour du Rwanda and debate over participation, no national teams ultimately withdrew from the World Championships.