Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, has assured that preparations for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships moving forward smoothly, confirming the country’s readiness to host athletes and fans from around the world for the global cycling event for the first time in Africa.
A total of 919 riders from 110 countries have confirmed participation at the historic cycling event scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21–28.
"We are pleased to announce that, for the first time, there will be a Women’s Under-23 category in the Road World Championships. It is also the first time that the Individual Time Trial (ITT) will start indoors, at BK Arena, on Sunday,” Mukazayire told journalists during a press conference in Kigali on Thursday, September 18.
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The minister explained that the preparations for the UCI race required collaboration with several institutions, commending the joint efforts made to make it happen.
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Kigali is just hours away from making history as the first African city to host the UCI Road World Championships.
City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva emphasized that this global sporting event is a chance for local businesses to thrive and for residents to participate actively.
"The Championships are an opportunity for Kigali’s citizens and businesses to shine. We urge hotels, restaurants, and entrepreneurs to welcome our visitors and show the best of what the city offers,” he said.
The mayor also reassured that life in the city will continue as usual, urging residents not to stay indoors during the week of the Championships but to actively welcome visitors by joining fan zones to cheer on the cyclists.
"People should not see the World Championships as a reason to stay home. Life will go on even on roads that are temporarily closed for the races. If the race passes by your home, you can gather with your neighbors and create a fan zone to support the riders,” he added.
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Hosting nation Rwanda will have 26 representatives at the Kigali UCI race. Though Rwandan cyclists have a not so impressive record at previous editions of the world championships, local cycling governing body (FERWACY) president Samson Ndayishimiye the riders have had ample time of preparations and are ready for the challenge awaiting them in their home city.
"Our riders are training hard with their coaches and are fully ready to compete. We have confidence they will perform strongly on the world stage. Every rider is in great shape and working hand-in-hand with their coaches. They are focused and ready to give their best at the World Championships,” he said.
He emphasized that the team is motivated and eager to perform strongly on the international stage, representing Rwanda with pride.
"Our cyclists are determined to succeed, and we are confident they will compete at the highest level. They aim to make Rwanda proud on the global stage,” he added.