WHO ARE THE FAVORITES TO WIN THE INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL AT THE ROAD WORLDS?

Profiles of the leading contenders

Several names stand out immediately when discussing the favorites for the Road Worlds ITT. Remco Evenepoel has cemented his reputation as a world-class time trialist, combining explosive power with unmatched pacing over long distances. Filippo Ganna, a two-time world champion, remains the benchmark for flat, high-speed courses, thanks to his aerodynamic efficiency and track background. Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard, although better known for stage racing, have also shown they can deliver blistering efforts against the clock when it matters most.

Emerging stars like Joshua Tarling, who stunned the peloton with breakthrough performances in major time trials, and Stefan Küng, a consistent podium threat, round out the core group of favorites. Each rider brings unique strengths—some thrive on pure power over flat terrain, while others excel on rolling profiles where pacing strategy is key.

Riders to watch closely

Beyond the headline names, a group of dark horses could disrupt predictions. Wout van Aert’s versatility makes him dangerous on any course profile, while specialists like Rohan Dennis (if selected) always carry the experience and tactical knowledge to challenge. The blend of raw talent and race-day execution makes this year’s field particularly unpredictable.

• Remco Evenepoel: explosive power and endurance

• Filippo Ganna: aerodynamic machine and former champion

• Jonas Vingegaard: stage race champion with consistent TT form

• Joshua Tarling: rising star with massive potential

• Stefan Küng: consistent performer in World Championships

What makes this group so compelling is the clash of generations: young riders eager to claim their first rainbow stripes versus seasoned champions determined to defend their legacy. The balance between raw power, technical ability, and mental resilience will ultimately decide the victor.

Course analysis and its impact

The course profile plays a decisive role in shaping the ITT outcome. A flat, fast circuit favors riders like Ganna and Tarling, who can sustain immense wattage while maintaining an aerodynamic position. On the other hand, a rolling or technical route rewards versatile riders such as Evenepoel and Van Aert, who can combine power with handling skills through corners and short climbs.

Course length also matters. Longer time trials often highlight endurance specialists who can sustain threshold power without fading, while shorter routes open the door to explosive riders. Weather conditions—wind direction, rain, or heat—can further tilt the balance, turning favorites into underdogs in a matter of minutes.

Strategic demands of the course

Time trials are as much about strategy as they are about physical capacity. Pacing is everything: going out too hard can lead to a catastrophic fade, while being too conservative leaves time on the road. Equipment choices—wheel depth, skinsuits, helmets, and even tire selection—are finely tuned for the course demands. The leaders have entire teams of aerodynamic specialists working behind the scenes to save fractions of a second.

• Flat courses: favor pure powerhouses like Ganna

• Rolling terrain: suits versatile riders like Evenepoel

• Technical circuits: reward handling and pacing control

• Weather factors: can dramatically alter outcomes

The 2025 course, with its combination of technical corners and sustained power sections, is expected to challenge riders to balance raw speed with careful pacing. This balance could tilt the advantage toward well-rounded athletes rather than single-dimension specialists, making the race more unpredictable than ever.

Ultimately, the course is the silent protagonist of the ITT. It decides whether the rainbow jersey goes to a powerhouse, a tactician, or a rising star ready to seize the spotlight.

Predictions and final thoughts

Predicting the winner of the Road Worlds ITT is always a gamble, given the razor-thin margins separating the elite. However, based on form and history, a shortlist emerges. Remco Evenepoel stands as a leading favorite, combining youth, power, and a proven ability to deliver in championship settings. Filippo Ganna, despite occasional inconsistency, cannot be overlooked given his dominance in flat time trials. Joshua Tarling may be the breakout candidate, while Jonas Vingegaard’s steady progression in the discipline makes him a wildcard.

Dark horses like Wout van Aert and Stefan Küng bring depth to the field, ensuring the podium is anything but predictable. The interplay of preparation, weather, and equipment will likely separate the medalists by seconds—or even fractions of seconds.

Why the ITT matters so much

The Individual Time Trial at the Road Worlds carries prestige far beyond a single race. Winning the rainbow jersey in this discipline cements a rider’s place in history, signaling mastery of cycling’s purest test of strength and skill. For teams and sponsors, it represents validation of technology and preparation, making the ITT both a personal and collective achievement.

• Evenepoel: momentum and versatility

• Ganna: the benchmark for flat power

• Tarling: rising star with breakthrough potential

• Van Aert and Küng: experienced disruptors

As cycling technology evolves and riders push the boundaries of performance, the ITT continues to deliver unforgettable drama. The 2025 edition promises another chapter in this ongoing saga, with legends defending their legacies and young challengers aiming to rewrite history.

Whatever the outcome, fans can expect a race defined by speed, precision, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. In the “race of truth,” there are no hiding places—only the strongest will wear the rainbow stripes.