As Rwanda gears up to host the prestigious 2025 UCI Road World Championships, excitement is building not just among Rwandans but across Africa. The event, scheduled to take place in Kigali from September 21-28, will mark history by coming to the African continent for the first time. However, despite the growing popularity of cycling in Rwanda and across Africa, the question on many minds is whether the host nation can field riders capable of challenging in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive field of crème de la crème of world cycling. Rwanda's rise in cycling is undeniable. Once a modest cycling nation, the country now boasts one of the most dynamic cycling cultures on the continent. This evolution has been largely driven by the annual Tour du Rwanda, which has steadily increased in stature since it became a UCI 2.2 race in 2009, and later upgraded to a UCI 2.1 race in 2019. The Tour du Rwanda has attracted world-class cyclists, including the likes of Eritrean riders who have dominated in recent years, some have gone on to compete at the Tour de France. Still, it’s clear that Rwanda’s development of elite cyclists remains a work in progress. Challenges for Rwandan cyclists: Despite cycling’s growing popularity, it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda still faces significant challenges in producing world-class riders who can compete at the highest level. Samson Ndayishimiye, the president of the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY), admitted that, while there is hope for a Rwandan rider to make a strong showing at the World Championships, the reality is more complex. “As a host country, we all feel that we need that one rider who can challenge for the top positions, but it is very difficult because it is a tough competition,” Ndayishimiye said, addressing the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum in Abu Dhabi last week. The difficulty lies in the intense level of competition. The UCI Road World Championship attracts the best cyclists from around the world, and Rwanda’s riders, though talented, are not yet at that elite level, no doubt about that. Adrien Niyonshuti, Rwanda’s most decorated cyclist, echoed these concerns. Despite his historic achievement of being the first Rwandan to race in the World Tour, Niyonshuti concedes that there are no Rwandan riders currently capable of finishing at the top in the World Championship. Adding to the challenge is the tough race course in Kigali. Known for its undulating hills, Rwanda’s terrain is famous for its difficulty, but the same hills that make Rwanda a great training ground can also make its road races formidable, even for experienced cyclists. Hope for the future: However, there is hope on the horizon. While the current generation may not be able to challenge for the podium, Rwanda is investing heavily in its cycling future. The establishment of development programs, such as the Field of Dreams training centre in Bugesera, and the work being done at the Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) in Musanze, are key components of Rwanda’s long-term strategy. These facilities provide state-of-the-art training environments for young cyclists, ensuring they have the resources to improve their skills and race internationally. Belgian coach Simon Huppertz, who leads Rwanda’s training programs, is optimistic about the future. Huppertz, a former mountain biker and qualified UCI coach, is working with promising young riders in the U15 and U17 categories, with the goal of building a competitive junior team for the 2025 World Championships. His efforts are bolstered by the support of international organizations like the UCI, which has made African cycling a priority in its global development initiatives. While it may be too early to expect Rwanda to field a top-tier team for the 2025 Championships, Huppertz believes that, with continued investment in youth development, Rwanda’s cycling scene will continue to grow. “We have some promising young riders currently racing in the Junior and Under 23 ranks. With better support and racing exposure, we believe that they will do much more than just participate in 2025,” Huppertz was quoted saying. The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali will not only be an important milestone for Rwanda but for Africa as a whole. The continent has seen a surge in cycling interest over the past decade, and countries like Eritrea, South Africa, and Kenya have all produced riders who have competed at the highest levels. The Kigali event, with its focus on the African cycling community, will undoubtedly provide inspiration to thousands of young Africans, who may one day race on the world stage. The UCI’s partnership with the Association of African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA) to increase African participation in international races signals a bright future for African cycling. UCI President David Lappartient emphasizes the continent's untapped potential. “The African continent is full of talent, and we will make sure that the whole world witnesses it during the UCI road world championships in 2025 and beyond. Catalyst for growth: While it’s unlikely that Rwanda will be a dominant force at the 2025 World Championships, the event will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the growth of cycling in the country and across the continent. The 2025 Championships will shine a global spotlight on African cycling, inspiring the next generation of riders while providing invaluable experience to those who compete. Rwanda may not have the depth of talent to challenge for podium spots in 2025, but with its ongoing investment in youth cycling and the global attention that the World Championships will bring, it’s only a matter of time before the country begins to produce cyclists capable of competing with the best. The road to the 2025 World Championships is long, but Rwanda is on the right track.
