Kigali schools to close during UCI Road World Championship

The government of Rwanda has announced temporary closure of all schools within Kigali throughout the period of the much-anticipated 2025 UCI Road World Championship. The eight-day race will see world’s top cyclists battle for glory in the Rwandan capital from September 21-28 in what will mark the first world championship of its kind on African soil. ALSO READ: Cycling: Rwanda wins bid to host 2025 World Championships While temporary road closures will be implemented along designated race routes at specific hours during the championship, a public advisory issued by the government on Wednesday, August 11, indicates that schools in Kigali will take an eight-day break to ensure safety of cyclists, students and the public in general. “The Ministry of Education will coordinate closely with school administrators and parents to facilitate a smooth transition during this period,” reads parts of the advisory notice. Public encouraged to work remotely During the weeklong race, public servants working in Kigali City have been advised to work remotely throughout the event period, except for those providing essential services, which will continue without interruption. Meanwhile, private institutions capable of remote work are strongly encouraged to adopt virtual working arrangements during the championship. ALSO READ: Pogacar eyes UCI Road World Championship defense in Kigali To ensure smooth transport in the city, alternative and detour routes will be clearly marked and communicated in advance, in coordination with traffic authorities, to minimize disruptions caused by road closures. ALSO READ: Team Rwanda coach names roasters for 2025 World Champs Government is also set to establish special Fan Zones across the city to ensure exciting fan experience. The public will also be able to exploring Rwanda’s cultural and natural attractions under the “Tembera U Rwanda” campaign. Itinerary The individual time trials, set to run over the first three days, will begin inside BK Arena marking a historic first for the UCI, as no world championship has ever started from an indoor venue. Riders will then race through key city points, including Kimironko, Chez Lando, Gisimenti, Sonatubes, Kicukiro Centre, Gahanga, and Gikondo, before finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). ALSO READ: 35 humps removed from 2025 UCI Road World Championship routes On the fourth day, the mixed team relay will follow the same route, starting and ending at KCC. The final four days will be dedicated to road races, also starting and finishing at KCC. Riders will pass through major locations such as RDB, MTN, Nyarutarama, Golf Course roads, Kacyiru, RIB, and the iconic cobblestone section in Kabindi. The final day of racing will feature an extended and more demanding course, which includes the climb to Norvège Hill in Karama, a descent through Nyabugogo, and a loop around Mille de Kigali. According to Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president Samson Ndayishimiye, 35 road humps have been removed along the championship routes in Kigali as part of efforts to ensure smooth and safe races during the highly anticipated event.

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Kigali schools to close during UCI Road World Championship