The 25-year-old star completed the 40.6-kilometre route in 49:46.03, averaging an impressive 48.9 km/h. His performance reaffirmed his dominance against the clock and ensured Belgium's flag flew highest on the opening weekend of competition.
Evenepoel's ride was a test of both physical strength and mental resilience, as Kigali's steep climbs and cobbled sections pushed every rider to the limit.
'It felt pretty good right away on the first flat part; I could feel my legs turning. I held my pace without going over the limit. The first climb of the day was quite hard, along with the last two, so I really pushed it there," he reflected on the effort required to secure gold.
"After that, I saw I had a big gap, so I kept a pace I could sustain until the bottom and then went flat out on every climb. I must say, the cobbles were brutalâ€"I hated them at some point. It was so hard to push through them toward the end, but winning was the most important thing," he added.
Vine takes silver, Van Wilder bronze
Australia's Jay Vine rode strongly to secure the silver medal, clocking 51:00.83 â€" over a minute behind Evenepoel, but still clear of the chasing pack. The bronze went to Evenepoel's compatriot Ilan van Wilder, who stopped the clock at 52:22.10, giving Belgium two riders on the podium in Kigali.
Pogačar and Del Toro in the mix
Pre-race favourite Tadej Pogačar, fresh from his fourth Tour de France title earlier this summer, had to settle for a disappointing fourth on his birthday. The Slovenian finished in 52:23.76, narrowly missing a medal. Rising Mexican sensation Isaac Del Toro followed closely in fifth with 52:26.89, adding another strong result to his breakout season.
Dutch rider Thymen Arensman, considered a podium contender, placed ninth in 53:25.71, while Swiss specialist Stefan Küng completed the top ten.
Rwanda's cycling fans had plenty to cheer as two local riders lined up in the world championship field of 54 participants. Shemu Nsengiyumva delivered a spirited ride to take 25th place in 56:41.13, while Moise Mugisha came home 31st in 58:40.67
Men elite individual time trial â€" top 10 results
1. Remco Evenepoel (BEL) â€" 49:46.03
2. Jay Vine (AUS) â€" 51:00.83 (+1:14.80)
3. Ilan van Wilder (BEL) â€" 52:22.10 (+2:36.07)
4. Tadej Pogačar (SLO) â€" 52:23.76 (+2:37.73)
5. Isaac Del Toro (MEX) â€" 52:26.89 (+2:40.86)
6. Andreas Leknessund (NOR) â€" 52:43.30 (+2:57.27)
7. Lucas Plapp (AUS) â€" 52:49.37 (+3:03.34)
8. Bruno Armirail (FRA) â€" 52:52.10 (+3:06.07)
9. Thymen Arensman (NED) â€" 53:25.71 (+3:39.68)
10. Stefan Küng (SUI) â€" 53:34.95 (+3:48.92)
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/belgium-s-evenepoel-secures-third-world-itt-title-in-kigali
