PICTORIAL: Kigali 2025 Social Ride draws excitement ahead of UCI World Championships

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:

In Pictures

PICTORIAL: Kigali 2025 Social Ride draws excitement ahead of UCI World Championships