Many professional cyclists, such as Spaniard Verona Quintanilla, suffer from stomach problems. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Stomach problems plague riders in the World Championship road race

The cycling team at the World Championships in Rwanda is apparently suffering from stomach problems.

September 28, 2025

From: apa/sn

For example, former two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe of France got off his bike early in the road race. The two top stars, Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel, had to make a toilet stop quite early in the race.

“I think we are not the only ones who have problems here,” said German Jonas Rutsch to the portal Cycling-News.com. "You can only make sure you don't have to go to the bathroom anymore. But in the end, I just heard that they could also install a revolving door in the two portable toilets they've set up up here."

The conditions for cyclists are extremely challenging. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

The 267,5 kilometers, 5.475 meters of elevation gain, and challenging climatic conditions with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius in the capital city of Kigali, located at an altitude of approximately 1.500 meters, took their toll. Given the conditions, it was already expected before the race that only a small number of the professionals would finish the race.