Anticipation grows for the professional road race of the World Championships, scheduled for tomorrow in Kigali. This will be the 92nd edition of a history that began in 1927 with Alfredo Binda's triumph ahead of his fellow countrymen Girardengo, Piemontesi, and Belloni. A total domination by Italian cycling that now finds itself facing its longest drought ever.

The last victory dates back to 2008, when Alessandro Ballan was crowned world champion (with Damiano Cunego finishing second). That means 16 consecutive editions without an Italian rider wearing the rainbow jersey, and during this period the only medal was the silver won by Matteo Trentin in 2019.

Belgium has won 27 world titles and leads the nations ranking ahead of Italy, second with 19 victories, but first in total podium finishes (56 compared to Belgium's 52).

So far, 73 riders have managed to write their name at least once in the world championship's golden book, representing 18 nations. The most recent nation to achieve the top result was Slovenia last year, with Tadej Pogacar bringing home the first title.

The only ones to celebrate three world titles have been Alfredo Binda, Rik Van Steenbergen, Eddy Merckx, Oscar Freire, and Peter Sagan, while Alejandro Valverde holds the record for podium finishes, with seven.

Source www.ciclopico.it - full article and additional statistical curiosities at the link https://ciclopico.it/altre-corse/mondiali-ciclismo/mondiali-di-ciclismo-2025-pre/