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Dutch Riders Shine in Kigali: Michiel Mouris and Megan Arens win U19 Time-Trial Gold
The UCI Road World Championships in Kigali continued this Tuesday with the junior men’s and women’s individual time trials, where the Dutch teenagers once again stamped their dominance. In the morning session, Megan Arens secured gold in the women’s junior category, before Michiel Mouris delivered another victory for the Netherlands in the men’s race later in the day.
Mouris, who had finished 15th at the 2024 World Championships in Zurich, proved his strength on Kigali’s 22.6-kilometer course. He clocked a winning time of 29 minutes and 07 seconds to earn the rainbow jersey and Golden Medal.
He was followed closely by American rider Ashlin Barry, who settled for silver just 7 seconds behind, while Belgium’s Seff van Kerckhove claimed bronze, 9 seconds back.
The Top 5 was completed by American Beckam Drake and Britain’s Max Hinds, who finished 14 and 19 seconds off the pace. The first African is a South Africa who came on 25th place.
From last year’s Top 20 in Zurich, only three riders returned to compete in Kigali. Mouris, who stepped up to win gold, Barry who had placed 9th last year, and Britain’s Dylan Sage, who was 12th in 2024. France’s Paul Seixas, last year’s junior world champion, raced in the U23 category on Monday, finishing inside the Top 10.
Rwandan Juniors’ Performance
For Rwandan Juniors, Pacifique Byusa finished 53rd, 5 minutes and 27 seconds down on Mouris, while Brian Ishimwe placed 55th, trailing by 5 minutes and 52 seconds.
Byusa, the second in the ITT at the 2025 National Championships in June, was the first rider to roll out from BK Arena and finished his ride at the Kigali Convention Centre without being overtaken.
Although they did not challenge for the front positions, the Rwandan juniors showed commitment and determination on home roads. They will return to action on Friday, September 26, in the junior men’s road race covering 119.3 kilometers.
See here some pictures:
