The 2025 UCI Road World Championships Elite Women’s Road Race in Kigali promises to be one of the toughest in the event’s long history. On Saturday, the peloton will face 11 laps of a 15.1km city circuit, totalling 164.4km and 3,350 metres of elevation gain. At its highest point of 1,493 metres, the Rwandan course blends attritional climbing, altitude and cobbled technical sections, setting the stage for an attritional race that will push the limits of endurance and explosiveness.
Two climbs shape each circuit. The Côte de Kigali Golf, 800 metres at 8.1%, will steadily drain the peloton with its repeated efforts, while the decisive Côte de Kimihurura, 1.3km at 6.3%, comes late in the lap. Its cobbled ramps, already tackled in the individual time trial, are expected to prove a key launchpad for race-winning moves. With 22 ascents in total and limited flat roads, the course offers little respite, demanding resilience, sharp climbing ability and technical poise.
The women’s road race has been a fixture of the World Championships since 1958, when Elsy Jacobs of Luxembourg won the inaugural edition in Reims. In its early decades, the race was considerably shorter, often between 50 and 70 kilometres, before gradually extending in the 1990s to exceed 100km. Since 2010, distances have stabilised between 130 and 160 kilometres, and the championship has shifted towards the gruelling tests of attrition that define the modern era. European nations have long dominated, with France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy producing a succession of champions, from Beryl Burton and Yvonne Reynders in the 1960s, to Jeannie Longo, Leontien van Moorsel and Marianne Vos in later decades. Most recently, Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky has won back-to-back titles, underlining her country’s proud tradition.
This year, however, there will be no defending champion. Kopecky has withdrawn due to ongoing back pain, leaving the rainbow jersey vacant and the race wide open. With the most climbing ever recorded in a professional-era women’s Worlds road race, the Kigali course is set to crown a champion who can thrive on steep gradients, endure the attrition of repeated ascents, and master the cobbles under pressure. The combination of history and unprecedented difficulty ensures that the 2025 edition will stand out as a defining chapter in the evolution of the women’s World Championships.
Previous Winners
2024
Lotte Kopecky
2023
Lotte Kopecky
2022
Annemiek van Vleuten
2025 Women’s World Championships Road Race Profile
Live TV Coverage
Saturday 27th September 2025
Live on Discovery/Max/TNT Sports across Europe, BBC in the UK
Live: 12:05-17:00
All times in BST
Twitter: Updates
Startlist: FirstCycling
Photo Credit: Getty
2025 Women’s World Championships Road Race Contenders
There’s no escaping the weight of expectation on the Dutch squad, and in a race defined by altitude, repeated climbing, and the attritional nature of the Kigali course, this is arguably the best shot yet for Demi Vollering to finally add the world title to her palmarès. Always in the mix at this event – 2nd in 2023, 5th in 2024, and 7th in 2021 – she comes into this year’s edition with the terrain perfectly matched to her strengths, and less of the tactical pressure that traditionally dogs the Netherlands on flatter courses. Her ability to hold a high tempo on sustained climbs makes her one of the most naturally suited riders to a parcours like this, and while she’s been edged out before by faster finishers or stronger alliances, Kigali could finally tilt the balance in her favour. Making her first appearance in a road worlds since 2021 is Anna van der Breggen, twice a champion and always a force when the road turns uphill. She may lack racing days compared to the rest of the field, but her experience, race intelligence and explosive climbing ability can’t be underestimated, especially in a championship where timing and positioning will prove decisive.
Riejanne Markus, ninth in each of the last two editions, is the kind of versatile option who can survive the hills and contribute late into the race, while Shirin van Anrooij and Yara Kastelijn offer attacking depth and explosive climbing that can either support a team leader or create opportunities themselves if the race fragments early. Add in Pauliena Rooijakkers, a proven climber with top-10s on summit finishes at the Giro and Vuelta, and it’s a formidable line-up. The challenge, as always, is turning that strength into a coherent race plan – the Dutch have been undone more than once by internal tension or conflicting ambitions, and on a course this selective, hesitation or miscommunication could again open the door for rivals. But if unity holds and Vollering is allowed to lead without interference, the rainbow jersey is well within reach.
For France, all eyes will be on Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who returns to the road Worlds once again with the kind of form that has reignited hopes of a second rainbow jersey. Her 2014 triumph in Ponferrada remains iconic, but this will be just her second appearance in a decade, after a short-lived DNF in 2024 marked her return to road racing at this level. Since then, however, she’s been nothing short of remarkable – winning both Paris-Roubaix Femmes and the Tour de France Femmes in 2025, with commanding rides that showcased her resilience, power and tactical nous. The course in Kigali is built for those who can handle repeated climbing at altitude, and if Ferrand-Prévot is as sharp as she was in July, she will be among the strongest on the hills. Behind her, Cédrine Kerbaol brings time trialling power and a tenacious racing style, though her best finish here remains a modest 46th, and it’s likely she’ll work in service of the team’s main climbers. Juliette Labous has curiously only managed one top 10 in this race despite her climbing pedigree – 7th in 2022 – but she is capable of riding deep into selective contests and could prove a valuable second option. Evita Muzic offers punchy support, particularly useful on the more explosive climbs in Kigali’s circuit, the debutant Marion Squiban could be one to watch in a breakaway after her heroics in the Tour de France Femmes this year.. While Ferrand-Prévot is the clear focal point, France will need to ride with cohesion to ensure she’s not isolated too early if the favourites start launching moves from distance.
Photo Credit: GettyItaly bring one of the most balanced line-ups to Kigali, spearheaded by Elisa Longo Borghini, whose bronze medals in 2012, 2020, and 2024 underline her consistency at the highest level. This year’s parcours arguably suits her better than any previous edition, with relentless climbing and a tactical grind that should play into her strengths. She’s had a solid season so far, and if she can manage her effort over the attritional laps, she’ll be a real podium contender again. Silvia Persico is a crucial part of Italy’s strategy, finishing 3rd in 2022 and 12th last year – her punchy climbing and fast finish give the team an alternative card to play if Longo Borghini is marked out. The breakthrough inclusion of Monica Trinca Colonel adds another dimension after her stunning Tour de l’Ardèche GC victory earlier this season – she climbs well and rides aggressively, and could be a wildcard if the favourites hesitate. Barbara Malcotti and Francesca Barale round out a climbing-heavy support unit, both strong domestiques with the capacity to go deep into the final if the pace is high. Italy have lacked the tactical sharpness to win this race in recent years, but the depth they bring to Kigali could make them one of the most dangerous collective units on the day.
Kim Le Court comes into this year’s World Championships as one of the most in-form riders on the start list and a genuine contender to deliver Mauritius its most significant result on the global stage. She was 64th in Glasgow last year but has undergone a remarkable transformation since then, winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège and a stage of the Tour de France Femmes in 2025. Those performances showcased her strength on long climbs and her ability to survive attritional races, both of which will be essential on this year’s brutally selective course. While she’ll be riding alone without team support, Le Court has already proven she can win against the world’s best – and if she reads the race well, she may force the favourites to chase her instead.
Switzerland arrive in Kigali with two established top-10 finishers and a quietly consistent support rider, giving them realistic hopes of another strong showing. Elise Chabbey has become a regular contender in tough one-day races, and her 7th and 9th-place finishes at the last two World Championships show she can handle this level of intensity. Her climbing style suits the constant repetition of short, sharp efforts expected on this year’s brutally selective course, and if she can stay in the right position when the attacks go, a podium isn’t out of the question. Marlen Reusser, fresh from another near miss in the time trial – and a frustrating puncture in the Mixed Relay that may well have cost Switzerland the title – will be looking to translate her TT strength into a road result. She was 4th last year and 10th in 2020, and if she picks the right moment to go, few can match her solo power. The question is whether the altitude and steep climbing will blunt her strengths just enough to keep her off the very top step. Supporting them is Noemi Rüegg, 11th in 2024 and a rider with solid endurance and positional nous, though the climbing may be a little too sustained for her to repeat that performance. Switzerland’s strategy may well rely on Reusser animating the race from afar and Chabbey covering the final selection – a combination that could place them in the mix for medals again.
Germany arrives with a balanced mix of climbing talent and tactical options, led by Liane Lippert, who’s been knocking on the door of the podium for several years now. She was 4th in both 2022 and 2024, and 5th in 2020, regularly among the most aggressive riders on this kind of parcours. If the race becomes one of attrition and repeated accelerations on the climbs, Lippert is well-suited to make the front selection. The inclusion of Antonia Niedermaier, 18th in Glasgow last year, gives the team another option for the harder sections – she’s more of a diesel engine on the longer climbs and might benefit if it comes down to a reduced group rather than explosive attacks. Franzi Koch could be unleashed as an early attacker or insurance option for the team, giving Germany some flexibility to animate the race or react to moves deeper into the finale.
Poland will once again be all-in for Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who has made a career of consistency in the biggest one-day races, including five top-10 finishes at the World Championships. Her bronze in Leuven in 2021 remains her best finish, but 5th in Bergen and 7th in both Richmond and Imola prove she’s capable of delivering across a range of courses. The hilly, attritional nature of the Kigali circuit could suit her best of all, especially if the racing becomes selective from far out. Her form has been strong through the summer, and there’s every chance she could animate the finale once again. The Polish team is clearly built around her, with Karolina Perekitko and Marta Lach both likely to play early support roles. Lach’s versatility and experience might see her last longer into the race, but with no other clear climbing option, it’s all about giving Niewiadoma the best possible platform to contest the final selection.
Spain don’t arrive in Rwanda among the big favourites, but they have a few cards to play in what could be an unpredictable race. Mavi Garcia, who placed 10th in Glasgow last year, is the most likely to thrive on this sort of terrain. Her climbing pedigree is undeniable, and while her one-day results have been more low-key this season, a long, hot race at altitude could see her grind her way into the top 10 again. Ane Santesteban brings a wealth of experience, with ten World Championships appearances to her name, though her best result remains 23rd in 2020. She’ll be crucial in managing positioning and helping Garcia or any opportunists stay in touch early. The dark horse in the Spanish line-up could be Mireia Benito. Just 63rd in her only previous World Championships appearance last year, she’s developed well in 2025, climbing strongly across week-long stage races. If she times her effort well, a top-20 – or better – is within reach. Spain may not dictate the race, but they could quietly feature deeper into the final lap than many expect.
For the USA, all eyes will once again be on Chloé Dygert, who came within touching distance of the rainbow jersey in 2024 and will be among the favourites again in Kigali. Her silver medal in Glasgow followed a tactically astute ride and showed she’s matured into a genuine one-day contender, not just a dominant time triallist. She was also 4th in Yorkshire back in 2019, her first proper test at Worlds on the road, and there’s every reason to believe she’ll thrive on the repeated climbs and altitude. Dygert often adds personal touches to her race-day bike, and many will be curious to see what message she brings into this race. The USA’s chances revolve almost entirely around her, but if she’s in the right position heading into the final lap, few can match her raw power and resilience.
Slovenia will once again be represented by Urška Žigart, who finished 24th in Glasgow last year and could aim for a similar result in Kigali. The climbing-heavy route might suit her better than previous editions, and with her time trialling strength and improving form through 2025, she’ll be looking to hang on over the relentless hills and potentially make it into a reduced lead group. Without much team support, positioning and energy conservation will be key, but a top-20 isn’t out of reach on a good day.
Hungary’s main hope lies with Blanka Vas, one of the most versatile young riders in the women’s peloton and a proven performer at World Championships. She’s already placed 4th in Leuven in 2021, 10th in Glasgow last year, and 11th in 2023 – making her one of the most consistent riders in this race over recent editions. Still only 23, she has the punch and endurance to manage the repeated climbs and technical corners of Kigali. If the favourites hesitate or mark each other out, Vas could easily be one of the riders to sneak away late for a medal – especially if the bunch splinters under pressure.
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio continues to be the cornerstone of South African women’s cycling and returns to the Worlds once again as their standout hope. She’s been remarkably consistent over the last decade, with top-20 finishes in nearly every edition she’s contested and a best of 8th in 2019. Her 13th place at GP de Plouay a month ago suggested she’s on an upward trend, and this year’s course is ideally suited to her climbing strengths. While a podium might be a long shot, don’t rule out a vintage performance from the 38-year-old if the race turns into a war of attrition – she knows how to suffer, and this course will demand plenty of that.
2025 Women’s World Championships Road Race Outsiders
Australia arrive without a standout podium favourite, but in Brodie Chapman and Amanda Spratt, they’ve got two highly experienced riders who know how to read a World Road Race. Chapman has quietly built a solid record in support roles, but her 21st-place finish in 2022 shows she can hold her own on tough courses – and this year’s profile in Kigali might suit her attacking instincts. Spratt, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience with back-to-back podiums in 2018 and 2019, although her recent history at the event includes a DNF in 2023. Even so, the 36-year-old has already taken gold in the mixed team relay this week and will be brimming with confidence. If either of them is in the mood and finds themselves in the right move, Australia could still be a factor deep into the final laps.
For Canada, Magdeleine Vallieres Mill is emerging as a reliable climber and is quietly entering this race as an outside contender. Her 14th place last year in Switzerland was an eye-opener, and she’s backed that up with strong 2025 results – including 8th at both the Grand Prix de Wallonie and on a tough Tour de France Femmes stage. This year’s parcours could play perfectly into her hands, with its constant climbing and altitude gain across the laps in Kigali. If she’s climbing as well as she was in July, a top-10 – or even higher – isn’t out of reach.
Belgium’s hopes of a standout result rest largely on the shoulders of Margot Vanpachtenbeke, whose 2024 World Championships debut saw her finish 80th, but who has enjoyed a strong 2025 season that elevates her to outsider status. The course will demand smart energy use and excellent climbing legs, and while she’s not yet a proven name at this level, her consistency through the spring and summer offers a hint of potential. Belgium’s main weapon, however, may be in the road captain role – Julie Van de Velde is one of the peloton’s most experienced climbing domestiques, and her ability to guide Vanpachtenbeke through the early chaos, cover key moves, and shelter her at altitude could be vital. It’s a long shot for the podium, but if Vanpachtenbeke survives into the final lap, Belgium could find themselves with a surprise contender on their hands.
For Norway, Katrine Aalerud will welcome a course with so much sustained climbing, and while her best World Championship result is only 24th from Imola in 2020, this could be her best shot at a career-best finish if the bunch is whittled down to pure climbers. She hasn’t had the same headline-grabbing results in 2025, but remains a classy rider who knows how to time her effort. Meanwhile, Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset is beginning to emerge as a rider to watch. A strong showing in the time trial at these championships hints at growing confidence, and although this will be her first elite road race at Worlds, the punchy climbs and altitude could suit her strengths if she rides smart. Norway may not shape the race, but they could see one rider sneak into the top 20 with the right tactics.
Top 3 Prediction
⦿ Demi Vollering
⦿ Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
⦿ Kim Le Court
