Kigali, Rwanda — September 24, 2025 The Team Time Trial Mixed Relay at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the week, with Australia storming to gold by the narrowest of margins. In a race that came down to seconds, the Aussies edged out France and Switzerland in a breathtaking finale on the streets of Kigali.
France Sets the Benchmark
The French squad, anchored by Juliette Labous and Maeva Squiban, looked destined for glory as they powered through the final kilometers. Their precision and teamwork carried them across the line with a time that put them +4.76 seconds ahead of Switzerland , sparking celebrations in the French camp.
For a moment, it seemed the rainbow jerseys were theirs. The crowd at the Kigali Convention Centre roared as Labous and Squiban crossed the line, believing they had secured gold.
Australia’s Late Surge
But the drama wasn’t over. Australia, the last major contender on the course, delivered a perfectly executed ride. Their men’s trio had kept them in contention, but it was the women’s squad that sealed the deal. With flawless exchanges and relentless pacing, they stopped the clock just +5.24 seconds faster than France, snatching the world title in the dying moments of the race.
The margin was razor-thin, but enough to crown Australia as 2025 Mixed Relay World Champions.
Switzerland Holds On for Bronze
Switzerland, consistent throughout the course, had set an early benchmark that forced rivals to dig deep. Despite being overtaken by France and then Australia, their performance was strong enough to secure the bronze medal, ensuring a place on the podium.
Reactions from the Finish Line
Australian riders were jubilant, describing the victory as a testament to teamwork and resilience:
“We knew it would come down to seconds, so every turn, every corner mattered. To win here in Kigali, in front of such an incredible crowd, is unforgettable.”
French riders, though disappointed, acknowledged the intensity of the contest:
“We gave everything. To lose by such a small margin hurts, but this is cycling—seconds decide history.”
Kigali’s Global Stage
The Mixed Relay was more than just a race; it was a showcase of Rwanda’s ability to host world-class cycling. Fans lined the streets, waving flags and cheering every team, creating an atmosphere that riders described as “electric.”
The course, starting at BK Arena and finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre, combined technical sections with punishing climbs, ensuring that teamwork and strategy were as important as raw power.
Final Podium – Team Time Trial Mixed Relay
- Australia – Gold
- France – Silver (+5.24)
- Switzerland – Bronze (+4.76 behind France)
With the Mixed Relay concluded, attention now shifts to the upcoming junior and elite road races, where Kigali’s climbs promise more fireworks. If today’s finish is any indication, the 2025 UCI Road World Championships will be remembered for its drama, passion, and razor-thin margins.
