Gathof and Classens crowned Rwandan Epic 2025 champions

Daniel Gathof of Germany and the Netherlands’ Bart Classens, riding for Team Surf Pro, have been crowned the 2025 Rwandan Epic champions in the Duo Men category, following their stage five win on Friday.

The German-Dutch duo completed the 77.3-km final stage – the longest one of this year’s race – from Nemba to Shyorongi in two hours, 51 minutes, and 20 seconds.

It marked their third stage victory in the 2025 Rwandan Epic, having also sealed stage two and stage three.

That dominance propelled them to the overall title, earning them their second Rwandan Epic glory after previously claiming the 2023 edition.

Gathof and Classens finished the five-stage race (245 kilometres) in 10 hours, three minutes, and 41 seconds overall.

They finished 12 minutes and 37 seconds ahead of the German-Kenyan duo Lukas Baum and Daniel Kiptala, who came in second place in the final stage.

Zambian duo Levy Pyele and Ernest Mazabuk, taking part in the Rwandan Epic for the very first time, emerged third, 35 minutes and six seconds adrift of the overall winners.

Rwanda’s Martha Ntakirutimana and Elodie Kuijper of the Netherlands, a Rwandan-Dutch duo, clinched the title in the Duo Women category after racing the 2025 Rwandan Epic in 13 hours, 34 minutes, and 14 seconds.

Meanwhile, South Africans Bianca Haw and Wade Young, who won every stage of the 2025 Rwandan Epic, claimed the Duo Mixed category crown in 12 hours, 12 minutes, and 56 seconds.

The Rwanda Epic, now in its fifth edition, is a multi-stage cycling event that attracts top international and local riders for mountain-biking races.

The race showcases Rwanda’s exceptional natural beauty while promoting sports and tourism across the region, and it is known for its challenging courses and stunning landscapes.

Photo: Enthusiastic crowds turned up for the 2025 Rwandan Epic final stage.

Photo: Students also couldn't miss the impressive final day of the 2025 Rwandan Epic.

Photo: Rwandan Epic is known for its challenging courses.

Photo: Martha Ntakirutimana and Elodie Kuijper won the title in the Duo Women category.