Marlen Reusser Wins GOLD | Women’s Elite ITT | UCI Road World Championships Kigali 2025

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, kicked off with an unforgettable Women’s Elite Individual Time Trial. On the challenging 31.2 km course with 460m of elevation, Swiss rider Marlen Reusser delivered a masterclass performance, winning her first-ever World Champion rainbow jersey in the time trial.

Reusser stopped the clock at 43:09.34, finishing well ahead of Dutch legend Anna van der Breggen, who returned to racing after retirement and claimed silver at +51.89 seconds. Another Dutch star, Demi Vollering, secured the bronze medal, crossing the line +1:04.78 behind Reusser.

🇷🇼 Rwanda made history by hosting the UCI Road World Championships for the very first time — and the atmosphere in Kigali was electric. Local star Xaveline Nirere had the honor of launching the Women’s Elite ITT, giving fans across Africa a proud moment as she represented Rwanda on the global stage.

With 44 riders competing, the time trial showcased the very best in women’s cycling, from seasoned champions to rising talents. But the rainbow jersey now belongs to Marlen Reusser, who finally realized her dream after years of near-misses.

📊 Final Podium:
🥇 Marlen Reusser (Switzerland) – 43:09.34
🥈 Anna van der Breggen (Netherlands) – +51.89
🥉 Demi Vollering (Netherlands) – +1:04.78

This is only the beginning of a historic week in Kigali, as over 900 riders from 100+ countries battle for glory. Stay tuned as Africa hosts the world and cycling enters a new era.

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In Kgali, the land of a thousand hills, history was written today. For the very first time, Africa hosted the UCI Road World Championships. And the women’s elite individual time trial marked an unforgettable opening chapter. A challenging 31 2 km course with 460 m of punishing elevation gain awaited the world’s best time trialists. And when the dust settled, Switzerland’s Marlon Royer finally stood at the very top of the podium, crowned world champion. For years, Royer had been the nearly woman of the discipline, collecting medals, but always missing the rainbow jersey. But in Kgali, on the streets lined with thousands of fans waving flags and cheering in the equatorial sun, she delivered the ride of her career. With a finishing time of 43 minutes and 9 seconds, she destroyed the field, securing gold and ending her long pursuit of glory. Behind her, two Dutch legends fought valiantly for silver and bronze. Anavande Brean, the 2020 world champion, who only recently returned to competition after 3 years of retirement, proved that class never fades. At 35, she shocked many by riding to silver with a time just 51 seconds slower than Roya. Her comeback now feels complete, and her podium finish in Kgali is already being hailed as one of the stories of the season. And then there was Demi Volering, the Dutch climbing star, fresh off dominating the women’s road calendar. Volering started explosively and looked like she might challenge Roya for the win. But in the final kilometers, fatigue took its toll. She slipped back, still hanging on for bronze. 1 minute and 4 seconds down. Her time just enough to keep Australia’s Broady Chapman off the podium. For Rwanda, the day carried its own special significance. The honor of opening the women’s elite ITT fell to Zavlin Ner riding in front of her home crowd. She set the early benchmark at 50 minutes and 8 seconds. And although it was quickly surpassed by European contenders, the sight of a Rwanda in the hot seat at a world championship will forever remain a proud memory for local fans. The competition was fierce from start to finish. Riders like Khloe Digert, the two-time world champion from the United States, had an off day and never found her rhythm, finishing outside medal contention. Other favorites, including France’s Sedrin Kerbal and Poland’s Katazina Nadoma, also failed to challenge the top three. The demanding Kali terrain proved decisive, rewarding those who combined power with resilience on the relentless climbs. In the end, the podium told a story of resilience, comeback and consistency. Malen Roycea Switzerland 4309 Prince Anafen Netherlands 89 demi following Netherlands plus 10478. But the full results also deserve recognition. From Sia Paladin and Jangha who briefly surprised with early benchmark times to Secret Hoget who impressed for Norway to the dozens of women who braved the course, every rider played a part in making Kali’s debut world championship unforgettable. Among the 44 competitors notable performances included Brody Chapman in fourth, just outside the medals, Kristen Falner and Khloe Digut unable to reproduce their best form but still inside the top 10. Africa’s hopefuls including Ethiopia’s Salam Abraa and Salam Amha Watanso and Rwanda’s Zavalina Ner and Trina Ingabir who carried the pride of the continent. This was more than a race. It was a symbolic moment for cycling’s globalization. The rainbow jersey was decided not in Zurich or Wongong but in Kgali, Rwanda. Fans witnessed not only the triumph of Marlin Roya but also the proof that African roads can host the very best in the sport. As Risa lifted her arms in victory, she wasn’t just celebrating a personal achievement. She was part of a story larger than herself. The story of cycling’s expansion, of Africa’s rise on the world sporting stage, and of a new generation of women riders, proving that the Pelaton has no borders. From September 21st to 28th, Kali will continue to host champions, legends, and dreamers. But on this day, the women’s elite ITT belonged to Marlon Roya, finally world champion. And as the Swiss flag rose above the podium alongside the Netherlands double presence, the crowd in Kgali cheered not just for the riders but for cycling itself. Africa’s first UCI Road World Championships had begun with fireworks and the world was watching. This is just the start of an unforgettable week of racing in Rwanda.