The 2025 UCI Road Cycling World Championships officially kicked off in Kigali on Sunday with a historic start, as Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser claimed gold in the Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial, the opening race of the week-long competition.
A true Masterclass by Marlen Reusser
Racing over a 31.2-kilometre course, Reusser delivered a masterclass against the clock, completing the circuit in 43 minutes 09 seconds, at an average speed of 43.3 km/h. She finished comfortably ahead of her rivals to secure the first rainbow jersey of this year’s championships.
The win marked a career milestone for Reusser. After taking silver in 2020 and 2021 and bronze in 2022, she finally stood on the top step to wear the rainbow stripes.
Anna van der Breggen helped book end the podium for the Netherlands.
“I tried so many times…It makes me so happy that I can achieve this — both for myself and for the whole group around me. I am really full of love for these people,” she said with a beaming smile.
The victory was even more special for the Swiss rider, coming just a day after she celebrated her 34th birthday on September 20.
Dutch star Demi Vollering took 3rd.
Podium places for Dutch duo Anna van der Breggen and Demi Vollering
Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen took silver, clocking 44:01:23, just under a minute behind Reusser, while compatriot Demi Vollering earned bronze with a time of 44:14:07.
Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial: top 10 results
- Marlen Reusser (SUI) – 43:09.34
- Anna van der Breggen (NED) – 44:01.23 (+51.89)
- Demi Vollering (NED) – 44:14.07 (+1:04.73)
- Brodie Chapman (AUS) – 44:30.21 (+1:20.87)
- Katrine Aalerud (NOR) – 44:33.68 (+1:24.34)
- Antonia Niedermaier (GER) – 44:38.41 (+1:29.07)
- Juliette Labous (FRA) – 44:42.33 (+1:32.99)
- Anna Henderson (GBR) – 44:47.06 (+1:37.72)
- Chloe Dygert (USA) – 45:34.77 (+2:25.43)
- Mireia Benito Pellicer (ESP) – 45:41.39 (+2:32.05).
Rwandan cheers for home riders Xaveline Nirere and Diane Ingabire
Xaveline Nirere
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
Diane Ingabire
© SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
For the home crowd, there was special pride as Rwandan riders Xaveline Nirere and Diane Ingabire lined up in the time trial, representing the host nation with determination. Nirere completed the 31.2 km course in a time of 50:07.67, while Ingabire finished in 52:57.79. Though outside of medal contention, their participation drew huge cheers along the route.
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