Race Overview
Welcome to our live blog of the Men’s Elite road race at the World Road Cycling Championships, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. This course is built to test every rider’s endurance and tactical nous, with a total distance of 267.5 km and 5,470 meters of climbing. The event unfolds on a 15-km urban circuit repeated 15 times, featuring two brutal climbs: the Kigali Golf Course ascent (800 m at 8.1%) and the cobbled stretch through Kimihurura (1.3 km at 6.3%).
Route Details and Strategic Points
In addition to the main circuit, a decisive 42.5 km extension between the 9th and 10th lap sends riders west via the NR4 to tackle Péage (1.8 km at 5.9%), the demanding Mont Kigali (5.9 km at 6.9%), and the steep Kigali Wall (0.4 km at 11%). These two sections are designed to fracture the peloton and set up the finale on tougher gradients after a long day in the saddle.
All told, the route totals 267.5 km with over 5,400 meters of elevation gain, making this one of the most arduous World Championships road races in recent memory. Expect repeated attacks on the uphill sections, relentless pace from the pack, and strategic moves from teams with the most to lose or gain on the leaderboard.
Broadcast and On-Air Team
The race will be broadcast around the world on France Télévisions, Eurosport 1, HBO Max, and France 3 starting from 12:55 local time, with the official start at 9:45 and a projected finish near 16:45. In the commentary booth, our team will bring you every breakaway, sprint train, and climb, with live analysis and on-the-ground impressions from Kigali.
English-language coverage will feature experienced host commentators who guide viewers through the changing dynamics of the race, while French-language commentary will deliver additional context for Francophone fans. Look out for pre-race insights, rider profiles, and post-race reaction as teams and riders process the demanding parcours.
What to Watch For
Key factors to watch include the strategic use of the extended loop to isolate climbers from sprinters, the timing of attacks on the final climbs, and how teams manage energy across more than six hours of racing. The cobbled Kimihurura sector will reward riders with strong handling and grit, while the final ramp on Péage and Kigali Wall will likely decide the medals on offer in Kigali.
How to Follow Live
We’ll provide live updates, lap times, and in-race analysis throughout the afternoon. Stay tuned for post-race reactions and the unveiling of the rainbow jersey as the winner clinches the title in the World Championships, right from Kigali.
Global Significance
Beyond the title, the World Championships on African soil celebrate cycling’s growth in the continent. Local fans pack the streets, teams bring a mix of veteran champions and emerging riders, and the rainbow jersey draws attention to the sport’s global reach as Kigali hosts one of cycling’s grandest events.
