After a record-breaking and all-conquering 2024, Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, is entering 2025 with one goal firmly in mind: to capture a few elusive victories that have so far slipped through his fingers. Despite an already extraordinary career that has seen him claim some of the sport’s most coveted prizes, Pogacar is still hungry for more. Among the races that continue to taunt him are Milano-Sanremo, the Vuelta a España, and—potentially—one of the most prestigious titles of all, the World Championship time trial.
Could this be the year Tadej Pogacar takes on the double challenge of winning both the road race and the time trial at the UCI World Championships in Rwanda? The idea alone seems tantalizing, especially after his astonishing victory in Zurich last year, where he clinched the Rainbow Jersey in the men’s elite road race with a display of brilliance and tactical prowess that left fans and competitors in awe. But with the World Championship set to take place in Rwanda this year, a different kind of challenge awaits Pogacar—one that could push his talents and versatility to the limit.
The Legacy of 2024: A Record-Breaking Year
Before delving into Pogacar’s ambitious 2025 plans, it’s worth looking back at the incredible 2024 season that has solidified his place as one of the greatest riders of his generation. He was absolutely untouchable, dominating both stage races and one-day classics. With victories in prestigious events like the Tour de France, the Ardennes Classics, and the UAE Tour, Pogacar’s resume for 2024 alone could be considered the stuff of legend. He showed his unparalleled climbing ability in the Alps and Pyrenees, while his strength in time trials and his skill in sprints demonstrated a well-rounded and complete rider.
However, even with such an impressive collection of titles, Pogacar was not content. As the year drew to a close, he hinted at the possibility of attacking races that had previously eluded him. One of the biggest challenges on his radar for 2025? Winning Milano-Sanremo, a race that he has come close to capturing in the past but hasn’t yet claimed.
But Pogacar’s desire for victory in 2025 isn’t confined to the big classics. The Vuelta a España, another major title missing from his palmares, is also firmly within his sights. Despite his successes in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, the Spanish Grand Tour has continued to evade him, and it’s clear he sees 2025 as the perfect year to conquer it.
Yet, among the prizes that remain unclaimed, one stands out: the World Championship time trial.
The Allure of the Rainbow Jersey Double
Having won the World Championship road race in 2024 in spectacular fashion, Pogacar is clearly focused on building on his success. At last year’s event in Zurich, the Slovenian delivered a masterclass of endurance and aggression. With 100 kilometers to go, he launched a daring attack, quickly pulling away from the peloton and holding off a talented group of riders to secure a memorable victory.
This year, the World Championships will be held in Rwanda, a location that is sure to present a completely different set of challenges. The racecourse will be one of the most difficult in recent history, with the added complication of high altitude, extreme heat, and humidity. These factors will force Pogacar to dig deep into his climbing and endurance skills, as the race will demand nothing less than the very best from every competitor.
When asked about his ambitions for the 2025 World Championships, Pogacar did not shy away from the idea of going for both the road race and the time trial titles, something that has only been achieved by a select few riders in history. In an interview, he said, “I might also do the World Championship time trial this year. The course in Rwanda is even tougher than it was in Zurich. You need a good pair of climbing legs again. And there are tough weather conditions. It will be hot and humid. The altitude will also play a role.”
Such words suggest that Pogacar is already eyeing a double victory in Rwanda, a feat that would add even more luster to an already glittering career. While the prospect of winning both the road race and time trial at a World Championship event is incredibly difficult, Pogacar’s form in 2024 demonstrated just how formidable he is when it comes to time trialling, particularly on challenging courses. His second-place finish in the 2024 Vuelta’s time trials, combined with his climbing ability and versatility, means he has the tools to compete in both events.
The Challenges of Rwanda’s World Championship Course
The World Championship course in Rwanda is expected to be a true test of strength and stamina. Set against the backdrop of the African highlands, the race will feature several steep climbs that will push even the best climbers to their limits. The altitude will also play a significant role, making it a race for the fittest riders in the world. Riders will need to be well-prepared for the oppressive heat and humidity, which will undoubtedly add an extra layer of difficulty to the already grueling course.
Given Pogacar’s extraordinary climbing prowess and his ability to perform in high-altitude conditions, it’s clear that he has the physical attributes required to handle the terrain. His dominance in the high mountains during the Tour de France, where he has routinely dropped rivals on similarly tough climbs, speaks to his ability to thrive under challenging conditions. That said, the World Championship course in Rwanda will require more than just great climbing legs. The long distances, combined with the heat and altitude, will test every rider’s endurance and ability to conserve energy.
For Pogacar, the key to success in Rwanda will be balancing his effort and strategy across the different phases of the race. With several days of competition, the mental and physical demands will be unrelenting. Pogacar will need to remain sharp, focused, and tactical if he is to take on the likes of current time trial specialists and climbing giants who will be targeting the same goal: the Rainbow Jersey.
Time Trialling: A Growing Strength
One of the most fascinating aspects of Pogacar’s career has been his evolution as a time trialist. Early in his career, he was primarily known for his climbing and stage-race abilities, but over time, he has transformed into one of the best time trialists in the peloton. His victory in the 2024 Tour de France time trial and his close battles with top time trialists like Wout van Aert and Filippo Ganna prove that Pogacar is not just a climbing specialist.
He will face stiff competition in Rwanda’s time trial, with strong contenders like Ganna, Remco Evenepoel, and the aforementioned van Aert. However, Pogacar’s versatility—his ability to adapt to both mountainous and flat courses—could very well give him the edge in this highly demanding discipline.
Pogacar’s ambition to target both the road race and the time trial in 2025 speaks volumes about his hunger for success. It’s clear that he isn’t content with just one World Championship title. The prospect of securing the Rainbow Jersey double—something only a handful of riders have ever achieved—would cement his legacy as one of the greatest all-round cyclists of all time.
Conclusion: A Year of Ambition and Potential Glory
As 2025 progresses, Tadej Pogacar will undoubtedly remain a major force in the world of cycling. With his eye on key prizes such as Milano-Sanremo, the Vuelta a España, and, of course, the World Championship time trial and road race titles, Pogacar’s ambitions are set to continue to push the limits of what’s possible in the sport.
Will this be the year that Tadej Pogacar claims the double Rainbow Jersey in Rwanda? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Pogacar’s hunger for victory shows no sign of waning, and 2025 could well be another landmark year for the Slovenian superstar.