Kigali on Saturday, September 20, turned into a celebration on wheels as more than 700 cycling enthusiasts took their bikes to the city's streets for the social ride, building a momentum ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
Dubbed "Kigali 2025 Social Ride," the ride for fun exercise was organized to give cycling lovers in Kigali an opportunity to share the road with professional riders during their final training ahead the championships scheduled for September 21-28.
The social ride drew the cycling community, from seasoned cyclists to excited first-timers, in a colorful display of unity and movement. Even the tiniest riders had their moment to shine as 30 children aged five and under lined up for their very own race, filling the day with smiles, cheers, and unforgettable first pedals.
Participants took on a 15-kilometer course along the official road race route starting at Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) – Gishushu – Nyarutarama – Kabuga ka Nyarutarama – Golf Course – MINAGRI – KABC – Kabindi – Kimicanga Junction – Mediheal – Kabindi – KCC.
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More than 46 nationalities took part in the event, including participants from Rwanda, Belgium, Kenya, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Comoros, Ireland, Colombia, China, Andorra, and Turkey to name just a few.
Among key figures who joined the social ride include Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire and City of Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva and former Senate President Bernard Makuza among others.
"The race was tough but we made it to the finish line. At some point, when you ride down to a flat road, it feels nice and fun but when you climb, then you have to use all your energy. The goal is to make it to the finish line,” Dusengiyumva told The New Times.
"For people who missed today, they missed big time. We encourage people of Kigali to queue along the streets and watch the cyclists from around the world. Let us all come and support the riders and have fun,” he added.
Every participant who finished the social ride was awarded a medal as a souvenir.
Ride and have fun...
Among participants was also Sophia who traveled all the way from Belgium for two good reasons. To visit Rwanda and follow the historic cycling event happening in Rwanda and Africa for the first time.
"We came to visit Rwanda and at the same time witness the UCI World Championship. We are very happy to be here,” she said.
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Alphonse Nkuranga is an ardent cycling lover who has been long associated with cycling in Rwanda, having served as Executive Director of the local cycling governing body (Ferwacy).
He takes the social ride as a way of not only riding but also socializing.
"I enjoyed the ride and had the chance to socialize with many people. It was great to experience what professional cyclists will go through. We tested our strengths, saw young and old riders enjoying together, and it truly felt like a proud and enjoyable social event," he said.
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Ariel Mutsinzi described the activity as both fun and challenging, pointing out the steep climbs and the distance covered.
"The ride was fun, but the hills made it difficult—we even had to push our bikes at some points. The 15 kilometers felt long, but I’m happy and excited that I made it to the finish line," he said.