Racing a 31.2-kilometre course through the Rwandan capital, Reusser delivered a dominant ride, clocking 43 minutes 09 seconds at an average speed of 43.3 km/h. She finished nearly a minute ahead of Dutch veteran Anna van der Breggen, who took silver, with her compatriot Demi Vollering securing bronze.
The win marked a career milestone for Reusser, who celebrated her 34th birthday a day earlier. After taking silver in 2020 and 2021 and bronze in 2022, she finally stood on the top step to wear the rainbow stripes.
'I tried so many times... It makes me so happy that I can achieve this â€" 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.
For the home crowd, there was special pride as Rwandan riders Xaveline Nirere and Diane Ingabire lined up in the time trial, representing Rwanda 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.
Women elite individual time trial â€" top 10 riders
1. Marlen Reusser (SUI) â€" 43:09.34
2. Anna van der Breggen (NED) â€" 44:01.23 (+51.89)
3. Demi Vollering (NED) â€" 44:14.07 (+1:04.73)
4. Brodie Chapman (AUS) â€" 44:30.21 (+1:20.87)
5. Katrine Aalerud (NOR) â€" 44:33.68 (+1:24.34)
6. Antonia Niedermaier (GER) â€" 44:38.41 (+1:29.07)
7. Juliette Labous (FRA) â€" 44:42.33 (+1:32.99)
8. Anna Henderson (GBR) â€" 44:47.06 (+1:37.72)
9. Chloe Dygert (USA) â€" 45:34.77 (+2:25.43)
10. Mireia Benito Pellicer (ESP) â€" 45:41.39 (+2:32.05)
Rwanda's debut on the world stage
The Kigali championships are the 98th edition of the UCI Road World Championships, but the first ever to be staged in Africa. Over the next eight days, more than 900 riders from 110 nations will compete in 13 races across the city's steep hills and valleys, with elevation gains reaching 5,400 metres.
At the opening ceremony inside BK Arena, Rwanda's Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire welcomed the riders and spectators, calling the event a historic moment for the nation.
'This is going to be a special week with the best riders in the world riding across Kigali's hills and valleys,' she said. 'I'm really honoured to welcome the 110 nations, 996 riders, and all the visitors joining us in this historic moment.'
UCI President David Lappartient also hailed Rwanda's achievement in hosting the championships.
'Without the vision of President Paul Kagame, without our shared vision, it would have been impossible,' he said. 'We are so proud to be here for the first time ever.'
Wycliffe Nyamasege
