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Vallières Shocks Kigali Worlds as Favorites Misfire, Men's Race Looms

Africa's first Road Worlds showcased punishing circuits under humid altitude conditions.

Overview

  • Canada's Magdeleine Vallières, 24, won the elite women's road race from a 10‑rider move, launching on the Kimihurara cobbles to finish 23 seconds ahead of Niamh Fisher-Black and 27 ahead of Mavi García.
  • Pre‑race leaders failed to organize a chase without race radios, and Pauline Ferrand‑Prévot finished 16th as the marquee riders marked each other and reacted too late.
  • The women's course spanned 164.6 km over 11 laps with roughly 3,350 m of climbing, and riders contended with altitude, heat, humidity and pollution that caused widespread difficulties.
  • The Kigali championships are the first on African soil, with the UCI highlighting development through record participation from 36 African nations and on‑site junior and U23 programs.
  • The event concludes today with the men's 267.5 km race featuring about 5,500 m of elevation, with Tadej Pogacar favored against Remco Evenepoel, and Julian Alaphilippe abandoning early after an opening attack.