Africa’s turn: UCI Road World Championships kick off in Kigali

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships officially opened at BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday, September 21, marking the first time the prestigious cycling event is being held on the African continent in the UCI’s 125-year history. Held under the theme “Riding New Heights,” the launch ceremony drew over 1,000 attendees, including riders, national federation delegates, cycling officials, and dignitaries from across the world This year’s championship has brought together a record 106 countries, with 35 African nations represented. A total of 996 riders are competing across various categories, including—for the first time—the Men’s and Women’s Under-23 races, introduced to ensure equal opportunity for emerging athletes. According to David Lappartient, President of the UCI, the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali represent a long-awaited milestone for global cycling. “For the first time ever, the UCI Road World Championships will take place in Africa here in Rwanda, in Kigali,” he said at the opening ceremony, calling it a dream come true since his 2017 election campaign. “When I was running for president, I had a dream to bring our pinnacle event to Africa.” Lappartient highlighted the global scale of the event, praising the rising level of African cycling and expressed confidence in the athletes. “The talent from Africa has grown tremendously and this week, the world will witness it.” He also noted the course’s difficulty and iconic setting. “This will likely be the hardest UCI Road World Championship ever but also one of the most spectacular, in the Land of a Thousand Hills.” Lappartient thanked President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan people for their leadership and passion for cycling, before officially declaring the UCI world championship officially open. The minister of sport in Nelly Mukazayire acknowledged that hosting the UCI world championships is a major milestone not just for the country but for the entire continent While also highlighting the challenging nature of the course which will take riders through Rwanda’s hills and valleys. “It is my honour to welcome you on behalf of the government of Rwanda to the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, happening for the first time in Africa. This course will be both beautiful and demanding, reaching up to 5,400 metres of elevation a first for many riders,” she said. Mukazayire also celebrated the introduction of the first-ever Women’s Under-23 race at the World Championships. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s happening here in Rwanda, a country where women’s empowerment is a reality, thanks to the leadership of President Paul Kagame.” She thanked all organising partners for their support, emphasizing that hosting the championship is more than just an event. “For Rwanda, this is a commitment to the future and to the next generation. We believe in sport as a driving force for unity, evelopment, and progress.” Samson Ndayishimiye, President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) emphasized Rwanda's pride in hosting such events and called for more championships to follow across Africa. “There must be a post-Kigali World Championships on the continent. Rwanda is hosting, but it should not be the last.” He also praised the challenging nature of the course and welcomed the global cycling community. “Get ready, it's going to be fun and challenging. But beyond the challenge, you’ll discover the warmth of our people as the slogan says Riding New Heights,” he noted.

Sports

Africa’s turn: UCI Road World Championships kick off in Kigali