Speed has emerged as one of the defining stories of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. So far, five riders have pushed the limits of descent and aerodynamics, with Frenchman Maxime Decombre setting the highest recorded mark at a breathtaking 100 km/h. These figures, captured during the Individual Time Trials on September 21–22, underline the thrilling nature of the Kigali course as the championships continue.
1. Maxime Decombre (France) – 100 km/h)
Decombre etched his name into the history of Kigali2025 by becoming the first rider to hit 100 km/h during competition. The U23 rider, who finished third overall in his category, reached the mark while descending from Nyanza to Kicukiro Centre, holding the speed for over five seconds. Despite not winning gold, his record-breaking descent has become one of the most talked-about moments of the week.
2. Jonas Walton (New Zealand) – 95 km/h)
New Zealander Jonas Walton impressed by clocking 95 km/h just after passing Nyanza station. Known for his power on flat terrain, Walton surprised many by showing equal mastery on the descents, securing his place among the fastest men of the championships so far.
3. Nate Prongle (New Zealand) – 92 km/h)
Walton’s compatriot Nate Prongle was not far behind, hitting 92 km/h while chasing second place. He combined climbing strength on the cobbled sections of Kimihurura with daring speed on the downhill into Kicukiro Centre. His move even forced a commissaire to intervene after a near-collision with an Argentine rider.
4. Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) – 90 km/h)
Elite men’s ITT champion Remco Evenepoel also makes the speed list. The Belgian star clocked 90 km/h after accelerating through downtown Kigali, including the Peage traffic lights section, as he reeled in rival Tadej Pogačar. Earlier in the same run, he had already reached 83 km/h on the Nyanza descent, showing his ability to control high velocity in different terrains.
5. Jay Vine (Australia) – 88 km/h
Australian rider Jay Vine rounds out the current top five, reaching 88 km/h on the descent into Kigali’s city center. While slightly below the record figures, Vine’s consistency underlined why he remains one of the most respected time trialists in the peloton.
Notable Mentions
Rwandan hopeful Etienne Tuyizere has so far clocked a top speed of 83 km/h descending toward Sonatubes, giving home fans a reason to cheer. In the women’s field, Swiss star Marlen Reusser, who went on to win the Women’s ITT, recorded 88 km/h from Nyanza to the city center – a mark equal to Vine’s.
What’s Next?
Analysts predict that the highest speeds of the championships may still be to come. With the Road Races yet to be contested, forecasts suggest riders could touch anywhere between 105–120 km/h on long descents such as Norvège–Kwa Mutwe or the drop from Muhima into Nyabugogo.
Local fans are buzzing with excitement. Jean de Dieu Habimana, a cycling enthusiast from Kicukiro, said: “Watching riders fly past at 100 km/h on our roads felt like a dream. Kigali has written itself into cycling history, and this is just the beginning for Rwanda.”
As the UCI Road World Championships continue in Kigali, the battle for jerseys and medals is still wide open. But alongside the podium finishes, the remarkable peak speeds already recorded have added another layer of drama, proving that Rwanda’s roads can produce both champions and unforgettable racing moments.
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