Britain’s Zoe Bäckstedt Wins U23 Women’s Time Trial at World Championships in Kigali
British rider Zoe Bäckstedt claimed the gold medal in the women’s under-23 individual time trial (ITT) at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali on Monday, September 22.
The 20-year-old finished the 22.6-kilometer course in 30 minutes and 56 seconds, securing a commanding victory on the second day of the 98th edition of the global cycling showpiece. Slovakia’s Viktoria Chladoňova took silver, crossing the line 1 minute and 50 seconds behind, while Italy’s Federica Venturelli claimed bronze, trailing by 2 minutes and 11 seconds.
The day’s route stretched from BK Arena to the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), winding through key city landmarks including Rwahama, Kimironko, Chez Lando, Sonatube, Nyanza-Kicukiro, Gahanga, Rwandex, the city center, and Mu Kanogo before the final climb to KCC.
Rwanda fielded two riders in the U23 women’s race. Claudette Nyirarukundo was the first to set off and finished 31st with a time of 37:14, while her compatriot Martha Ntakirutimana placed 27th in 36:27. Both were making their debut appearances at the World Championships.
Later in the day, the U23 men’s time trial took place over a longer 31.2 km course from BK Arena to KCC, further showcasing Kigali’s role as the first African city to host the prestigious event.
