Jakob Söderqvist wins U23 men’s ITT gold in Kigali

By The Inspirer.

Swedish rider Jakob Söderqvist won the gold medal in the men’s under-23 individual time trial at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, completing the 31.2-kilometre course in 38 minutes and 24 seconds.

The second day of competition on Monday, September 22, featured both men’s and women’s under-23 ITT events. The route started at BK Arena and passed through Rwahama, Kimironko, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza in Kicukiro, Gahanga, Rwandex, Kanogo, the city centre, Mediheal, Mignone, Ku Muvunyi, before finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Rwanda’s Tuyizere Etienne was the first to start among the U23 men, finishing 31st in 43 minutes and 36 seconds. His teammate Niyonkuru Samuel placed 28th in 43 minutes and 15 seconds.

Söderqvist, 22, who finished second in 2024, took the gold ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pingle, who was one minute and three seconds slower. France’s Maxime Decomble finished third, one minute and four seconds back.

The championships continue on Tuesday, September 23, with the under-19 men’s and women’s ITT races. The women will cover 18.3 kilometres starting at 10:45 a.m., while the men will race over 22.6 kilometres from 2:00 p.m. Rwanda will be represented by Masengesho Yvonne and Uwiringiyimana Liliane in the women’s event, and Byusa Pacifique and Ntirenganya Moise in the men’s.