Participants ride their bicycles during Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday, September 20. Participants took on a 15-kilometer course along the official road race route. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire and Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva joined more than 750 non-professional cyclists for a community ride on the eve of of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, which officially begin on Sunday, September 21.
The social ride offered fans an opportunity to ride along with professional cyclists during their training while also mingling with visitors from all walks of life who have travelled to Rwanda for the landmark global cycling event happening on African soil for the very first time.
The colorful event showcased different bicycle brands and allowed fans and delegates to shop products such as cycling jerseys and sports water bottles among others. It also helped spectators learn about designated fan zones where they can cheer on riders during the championships.
Friends and families also enjoyed the fun-filled ride, which attracted participants from 46 nationalities, including Rwanda, Belgium, Kenya, USA, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Comoros, Ireland, Colombia, China, Andorra, and Turkey to name just a few.
Cyclists pedaled a 15-kilometer course along sections of the official road race route: Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) – Gishushu – Nyarutarama – Kabuga ka Nyarutarama – Golf Course – MINAGRI – KABC – Kabindi – Kimicanga Junction – Mediheal – Kabindi – back to KCC.
The New Times photographers Craish Bahizi and Willy Mucyo were on the ground to capture some of the highlights through their lenses:
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. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire during Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday, September 20. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Participants were from Rwanda, Belgium, Kenya, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Comoros, Ireland, Colombia, China, Andorra, and Turkey to name just a few. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The social ride drew the cycling community, from seasoned cyclists to excited first-timers, in a colorful display of unity and movement. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
According to the Ministry of Sports more than 46 nationalities took part in the event, including participants from Rwanda. Photo by Craish Bahizi
More than 46 nationalities took part in the event. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Kigali 2025 Social Ride also helped spectators learn about designated fan zones where they can cheer on riders during the championship. Photo by Willy Mucyo
A professional rider during a training session on Sunday. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A group of cyclists branding Bralirwa.Photo by Willy Mucyo
Participants took on a 15-kilometer course along the official road race route. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Two professional riders take a selfie at the event. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A parent helping his child to ride. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire (L) during the ride for fun dubbed"Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday, September 20. Photo by Willy Mucyo
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. Photo by Willy Mucyo
The social ride drew the cycling community, from seasoned cyclists to excited first-timers, in a colorful display of unity and movement. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Some pro-cyclists pose for a photo before a training session. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Ella and Elsa Nshuti, the twins who are passionate about cycling, seen here riding with other cyclists. Photo by Willy Mucyo
A section of young children at the event. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Photo by Willy Mucyo
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. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Young children ride at the Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday. Photo by Willy Mucyo
City of Kigali Samuel Dusengiyumva also participated in the exercise. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The social ride drew the cycling community, from seasoned cyclists to excited first-timers, in a colorful display of unity and movement. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The social ride offered fans an opportunity to ride along with professional cyclists during their training. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Former Prime Minister and President of the Senate Bernard Makuza was among key figures who participated in the event. Photo by Craish Bahizi
A space for the exhibition at Kigali Heights. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Young children ride at the Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday. Photo by Willy Mucyo
The colorful event showcased different bicycle brands. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Kigali 2025 Social Ride allowed fans and delegates to shop for products such as cycling jerseys and sports water bottles among others. Photo by Willy Mucyo
An exhibition where cycling enthusiasts can shop different items. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Photo by Craish Bahizi
Participants were from Rwanda, Belgium, Kenya, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Comoros, Ireland, Colombia, China, Andorra, and Turkey to name just a few. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The finish line and the podium for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships are both set at Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). Photo by Willy Mucyo
The colorful event showcased different bicycle brands. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Over 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. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A section of young children at the event. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Cycling lovers cheer on Team Rwanda riders during a training. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A view of Kigali Convention Centre roundabout where the exercise kicked off. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Team Rwanda riders and others before starting a training session. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The global cycling race, which takes place in Kigali from September 21-28, will attract 915 riders from 107 countries across the globe. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
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. Photo by Willy Mucyo
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. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A space for refreshment and exhibition. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The event also allowed fans and delegates to shop for products such as cycling jerseys and sports water bottles among others. PHOTO BY CRAISH BAHIZI
Photo by Craish BAHIZI
One of participants rides during Kigali 2025 Social Ride on Sunday, September 20. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
Kigali 2025 Social Ride also helped spectators learn about designated fan zones where they can cheer on riders during the championship. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The ride for fun exercise was organized to give cycling lovers in Kigali an opportunity to share the road with professional riders. Photo by Craish Bahizi
Photo by Craish BAHIZI
A professional rider during a training session on Sunday. Photo by Craish BAHIZI
The event allowed fans and delegates to shop for products such as cycling jerseys and sports water bottles among others. PHOTO BY CRAISH BAHIZI
A cyclist on her three wheel machine during Kigali 2025 Social Ride. Photo by Willy Mucyo
The colorful event showcased different bicycle brands. Photo by Willy Mucyo
Photo by Willy Mucyo
Ella and Elsa Nshuti, the twins who are passionate about cycling, pose for a photo ahead on the UCI social ride on Saturday, September 20. PHOTO BY CRAISH BAHIZI