The 27-year-old successfully defended his world title, crossing the line ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel and Ireland’s Ben Healy.

The final race of the week-long championship started at the Kigali Convention Center, with riders tackling nine laps of a 14.8 km city circuit, followed by a longer section stretching through Nyabugogo, Nyamirambo, and Kimisagara, before ending with six more laps of the Nyarutarama–Golf loop.

With 104 km to go, Pogačar broke away from the peloton, overtaking France’s Julien Bernard and steadily widening his lead. Evenepoel, who had beaten him in the opening time trial earlier in the week, suffered a bike problem in the last 75 km and never managed to close the gap, finishing 28 seconds behind. Healy secured third place, trailing by 2 minutes and 16 seconds.

Rwanda fielded six riders Byukusenge Patrick, Masengesho Vainqueur, Nkundabera Eric, Muhoza Eric, Manizabayo Eric (Karadiyo), and Nsengiyumva Shemu but none were able to finish the grueling race. Out of 165 starters, only 31 riders reached the finish line.

The 2026 UCI Road World Championships will take place in Montréal, Canada, from September 20 to 27.