Cycling Titans Gear Up: Star-Studded Long List Revealed for Road World Championships…Read More…
As the countdown to the 2025 UCI Road World Championships intensifies, cycling federations across the globe have begun unveiling their preliminary long lists, revealing a tantalizing glimpse into the potential lineups of elite riders set to battle for the coveted rainbow jersey. With the event slated for late September in Kigali, Rwanda—the first time the championships will be held on African soil—the anticipation surrounding the selections has reached a fever pitch.
The long lists, typically composed of up to 20 riders per nation for elite categories, are the initial stage of the final team selection. While not definitive, these names represent the cream of each country’s cycling talent, and the inclusion of rising stars and seasoned champions alike has ignited conversation among fans and pundits alike.
Global Powerhouses Bring Heavyweight Lineups
Team Belgium, a perennial force in road cycling, has once again produced a powerhouse long list. Leading the charge is Wout van Aert, whose versatility makes him a perennial favorite in both one-day races and stage events. He is joined by Remco Evenepoel, the 2022 World Champion, who has continued to show exceptional form through the 2025 season, including a dramatic win at Liège–Bastogne–Liège earlier this year.
Also making the cut are Jasper Philipsen, known for his blistering sprint finishes, and Tiesj Benoot, who could serve as a critical domestique or a dark horse contender depending on the race profile. The Belgian federation has made it clear that they intend to field a squad with multiple potential leaders, banking on tactical flexibility.
Team Netherlands also presents a formidable selection. Mathieu van der Poel headlines the squad, with his recent victories at the Tour of Flanders and Milan–San Remo reminding the cycling world of his explosive power and aggressive racing style. He is supported by Dylan van Baarle and Bauke Mollema, both of whom bring experience and strategic acumen to the mix.
British Hopes Riding High
For Great Britain, the inclusion of Tom Pidcock, Geraint Thomas, and Ethan Hayter has sparked excitement among fans. Pidcock, fresh off a strong performance at the Tour de Suisse, is expected to be a leading figure on a hilly Rwandan course that could suit his all-rounder capabilities. Thomas, a Tour de France winner and one of the sport’s most respected veterans, adds depth and leadership to the team.
The British Cycling Federation is also using the long list as an opportunity to highlight youth, with riders like Josh Tarling and Fred Wright earning spots. These inclusions indicate a strong push toward future development while maintaining competitiveness at the top level.
Hosts Rwanda Reveal Ambitious Squad
In a historic moment for African cycling, Team Rwanda has announced its most ambitious long list to date. Led by rising star Moise Mugisha, who has gained international attention for his climbing prowess, the squad features a blend of experience and youth.
The team will also include Joseph Areruya, who previously won the Tour du Rwanda and competed in Europe with Delko Marseille. The national federation has been building toward this moment for years, and with home advantage, Rwanda aims not just to compete, but to inspire a new generation of cyclists across the continent.
Women’s Contenders Make Headlines
The long lists for the Elite Women’s category are equally electrifying. Team USA features Chloe Dygert, who has made a powerful comeback this year, and Kristen Faulkner, a breakout star of the spring classics season. Across the Atlantic, Team Italy boasts Elisa Balsamo and Marta Cavalli, both riders with proven WorldTour credentials.
The Dutch women’s team remains the gold standard, and their long list doesn’t disappoint. Annemiek van Vleuten, despite recent speculation about retirement, appears on the roster alongside Demi Vollering and Marianne Vos, presenting a triple threat to any rival squad.
Rising Stars and Surprise Inclusions
Several national teams have opted to include under-23 talents and surprise names, possibly hinting at fresh strategies. Australia, for example, has named Luke Plapp and Jay Vine among their elite picks, while France has stirred debate by including both Julian Alaphilippe and younger hopefuls like Romain Grégoire.
Meanwhile, Slovenia’s long list reads like a who’s who of cycling greatness: Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, and Matej Mohorič all make the initial cut, though team management may face tough decisions regarding leadership roles.
Course to Shape Final Decisions
The Kigali course is expected to be a challenging, punchy route with a mix of short climbs and technical descents, favoring puncheurs and climbers rather than pure sprinters. This will likely influence final team selections, which will be made closer to the race date in September. National federations are already analyzing rider data, race results, and training metrics to determine who will best suit the demands of the Rwandan terrain.
What’s Next?
With the long lists now public, the next few weeks will be filled with speculation, strategy, and subtle mind games. Riders will aim to peak at the right time, while national coaches finalize tactical plans. For fans, the announcements offer a first look at the rivalries and matchups that could define this historic edition of the Road World Championships.
Ultimately, while only a handful will walk away with medals, the global nature of the selections—and the significance of hosting the event in Africa for the first time—underscores the sport’s growing reach and the deepening pool of international talent. As the road to Kigali narrows, the world will be watching.
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