Kigali is already receiving high praise as host of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, with organizers praised for a historic event that has brought the championship to Africa for the first time. Generating enthusiastic crowds. Offering a unique African backdrop for the competition.

As the world championships enter the final days, one thing is certain; the event will go down in history as a monumental moment for both global cycling and Rwanda. Kigali’s ability to deliver an exceptional competition has garnered praise from athletes, officials and spectators.

Despite some challenges posed by the altitude, and heat, which was expected, given that Kigali is approximately 1,567 meters (5,141 feet) above sea level, the competition has unfolded smoothly, with Kigali Convention Centre and BK Arena serving as iconic backdrops for the races.

The world’s best cyclists are competing in front of enthusiastic crowds whose energy and support have been described as "insane" by some of the athletes. The atmosphere has rivalled that of major sporting events, creating an unparalleled vibe at this global event.

The championships, which started on September 21 and will run until Sunday, September 28, brought much-needed global attention to Rwanda's budding cycling scene, as well as to the country's capability to host large-scale international events. It has also given Rwandan cycling a unique platform to showcase its potential and the enthusiasm of local fans.

Exceptional organization

From the first moment riders arrived in Kigali, the level of organization has been compared to top European standards. The event's seamless execution must have impressed even the most seasoned participants.

Kigali Convention Centre, a superb venue, has become the hub of activity, with its central location allowing for efficient logistics, crowd management, and easy access to the start and finish lines of the races.

The race courses themselves were designed to challenge even the most accomplished cyclists, incorporating Rwanda's mountainous terrain.

The routes are not only tough but also visually stunning, offering a unique African backdrop that has made the global championships even more exciting, already, thus far.

Rwanda’s ability to put together such a technically demanding course, alongside world-class infrastructure, made the event a resounding success in terms of both logistics and the spectacle itself.

Organizers seem to have also taken extra care to ensure the safety and comfort of the athletes. Although some riders have faced challenges with altitude, the Rwandan team has been proactive in preparing the athletes for the high-altitude conditions.

The heat, which is a common feature in Kigali’s September climate, has been managed with hydration stations and frequent cooling zones to help athletes stay in optimal condition.

Furthermore, the presence of local volunteers, who have been guiding spectators and assisting riders, has added to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Rwanda.

Their enthusiasm and commitment contributed significantly to the success of the championship, offering a level of hospitality that has been reassuring but also lauded by international competitors and officials.

Unforgettable atmosphere and crowds

The crowds at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships have been nothing short of spectacular. Kigali, with its vibrant culture and passionate sports fans, has provided a unique energy to the event.

The local support has been overwhelming, with spectators lining the streets, cheering on riders, and creating an electric atmosphere that has added to the intensity of the competition.

Athletes have commented on the incredible energy from the crowds, with many stating that the cheers from the stands pushed them to give their best effort.

Michael Matthews, an Australian rider who competed in the mixed relay event, expressed how the crowd’s energy lifted his team as they crossed the finish line, saying, "We could hear the men screaming ‘Sprint! Sprint! Sprint!’ as we came into the final stretch. The energy from the fans was amazing."

For Rwanda, the atmosphere at the championships is a testament to the country’s love for sports and its ability to host major international events.

The large turnout, particularly from locals, also helped elevate the profile of cycling in the region, demonstrating that Rwanda is not just a host but a future hub for international cycling competitions.

New chapter for African cycling

Rwanda's successful hosting of the UCI Road World Championships is more than just a sporting achievement—it is a landmark moment for African cycling.

While the Rwandan junior riders did not finish near the top in their individual time trials, their participation in such a prestigious event speaks to the growth of cycling in the region.

Rwandan cyclists now have a new source of inspiration and motivation, watching world-class athletes from the Netherlands, Australia, USA, Spain, and Belgium compete at the highest level.

For the Rwandan public, the event has ignited a new wave of interest in the sport, with young riders inevitably already setting their sights on future competitions.

And in terms of organizational experience, the success of this championship goes beyond the race results. It reflects Kigali’s ability to host global events with skill and professionalism, while simultaneously promoting the sport of cycling.

Another thing that is for sure, is that the event has already boosted Rwanda’s tourism, and is likely to inspire more international sporting events in the future. You can bet on that.

The event will climax on Sunday, with the elite men's road race being the main focus, particularly for Tadej Pogačar, who will be bidding to defend his crown.

And as the championships near conclusion, the overwhelming sense of pride and excitement in Kigali, and beyond, for anyone connected to Rwanda, is undeniable.

Furthermore, the UCI Road World Championships have not only showcased the potential of Rwanda as a cycling destination but also solidified the country’s place on the global sporting map.

The atmosphere, the crowds, the passion of the volunteers, and the sheer scale of the event have all contributed to making this an unforgettable experience for athletes, fans, and most importantly, the people of Rwanda.

On Wednesday, 15 teams lined up for the only event of the competition. To mark the occasion, four African teams; Rwanda, Uganda, Benin and Ethiopia, launched the race.

The Ethiopians won the local bragging rights, finishing in 10th place. Rwanda and Mauritius were 11th and 12th, with Uganda and Benin coming in 14th and 15th positions, respectively.

The success of the event is a strong signal that Rwanda is ready to host even bigger international sporting events in the future.

As the country continues to invest in sports infrastructure, it is clear that the legacy of the UCI Road World Championships will inspire future generations of cyclists in Rwanda and across the African continent.