Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2025. 11:57 am CST.
Jyven Gonzalez – Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Belizean cyclist Jyven Gonzalez proudly represented his country in the Men’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday, September 28. Though Gonzalez did not finish the 267-kilometer race, he completed two laps of the demanding circuit.
A Monumental Stage in Africa
This year’s UCI Worlds marked a historic first: the championship’s debut on African soil. The hilly capital of Rwanda welcomed over 70 nations for a weeklong celebration of cycling, culminating in Sunday’s Elite Road Race. The course featured 15 loops around Kigali, each packed with two climbs and a longer cobbled ascent, testing riders with 33 hills and 1,500 meters of altitude.
Gonzalez, racing against Tour de France champions and Olympic medalists, held his own through two punishing laps before exiting the race — a fate shared by many in one of the most attritional editions of the championship.
Belizean Trio Makes History
Gonzalez’s effort capped a landmark week for Belize, with three riders competing across three categories. On Friday, Keith Enwright Jr. made his debut in the Junior Men’s Road Race, completing two laps. Derrick Chavarria, racing in the Under-23 category, completed four laps — the most of any Belizean rider in Kigali.
While none of the three finished their races, their qualification and presence on cycling’s biggest stage signal a bold step forward for the Cycling Federation of Belize and the country’s growing international participation.
Team Belize: (L-R) CFB President Glen Flowers, Jyven Gonzalez, Derrick Chavarria, and Keith Enwright Jr – Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize
Cycling Federation of Belize Salutes Its Riders
“We congratulate and thank the three cyclists for their efforts with their participation in the Road World Cycling Championships. Keep your heads high and know we are proud of your efforts,” the Cycling Federation of Belize said in asocial media post after the week-long event.
Pogacar Dominates the Elite Race
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar stole the show, defending his 2024 title with a solo breakaway from 66 kilometers out. He crossed the line in 6:21:20, 1 minute and 28 seconds ahead of Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel of Belgium, who overcame a mid-race mechanical issue. Ireland’s Ben Healy claimed bronze, finishing 2:16 behind the winner.
The race drew an estimated 1 million spectators, with breakout performances from rising stars like France’s Paul Seixas, who finished 13th, and Britain’s Tom Pidcock, who placed 10th.
Looking Ahead
Though Jyven Gonzalez didn’t finish, his presence in Kigali — alongside Enwright Jr. and Chavarria — marks a proud chapter in Belizean cycling. Their courage to compete, lap completions, and resilience in the face of world-class competition lay the groundwork for future success.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments
More Belize News:
The post Jyven Gonzalez represents Belize in Elite Road Race at UCI World Championships in Rwanda appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2025. 11:57 am CST. Jyven Gonzalez – Photo Credit: Cycling Federation of Belize By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 🇧🇿 Belizean cyclist Jyven Gonzalez
The post Jyven Gonzalez represents Belize in Elite Road Race at UCI World Championships in Rwanda appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
