With the first-ever UCI Road World Championships on African soil just three days away from kickoff, Bugesera is already the home of cyclists from 38 African countries which will compete at the upcoming cycling event in Kigali slated for September 21-28. Overall, at least 915 riders from 107 countries confirmed their participation at the World Championships. Hosts Rwanda will have 34 representatives competing in Elite men, Elite women, U23 Men, U23 Women, U19 Men and U19 Women. The nationalities camping at in Bugesera include Zimbabwe, Benin, Botswana, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Morocco, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Egypt, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Refugee, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles, Uganda, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Tunisia and hosts Rwanda. They have been camping at Savanah Cycling center, Nyamata, for the past two weeks under the support of the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC). CAC facilitated the cyclists to settling the country earlier for training in Kigali and Bugesera, which would allow them to get used to the terrain. “The terrain and climate are similar to those from my home country Tunisia. So, I have adapted quickly to it and I am looking forward to the championship,” said Tunisian rider Mohamed Aziz Dellai. “The event coming to Africa for the first time means a lot to African cycling and it’s a privilege we don’t take lightly,” he added. The championships, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), will gather elite riders from across the globe to compete for the coveted rainbow jersey. The event will feature thrilling road races and time trials, showcasing talent, endurance, and the vibrant culture of Rwanda. For Rwanda, the 98th edition of the UCI World Championships in Kigali is more than a cycling event—but also an opportunity to highlight the country’s growing role in global sports, its dynamic infrastructure, and its commitment to fostering youth participation in cycling. Kigali’s hilly terrain and enthusiastic fan base promise to deliver unforgettable moments for athletes and spectators alike. The camp also hosts one refugee Ansari Amir Arsalan who is of Afghan origin.
