A global ride of unity: Kigali hosts 110 nations at historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships

Kigali made history as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships officially began on September 21. Over the following week, until September 28, our vibrant capital will host 919 riders representing 110 nations, along with more than 5,000 international guests, in a celebration of sport, unity, and global friendship. ALSO READ: Day-1 in Pictures: UCI Road World Championships in Kigali This moment is truly historic. For many years, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) dreamed of bringing the Road World Championships to Africa, a continent rich in cycling talent, passion, and potential. Rwanda has proudly made that dream a reality. For the first time ever, the world’s most prestigious cycling event is being held on African soil. ALSO READ: Africa boasts highest number of nations at UCI Road World Championships This milestone reflects not only the vision of the UCI but also Rwanda’s remarkable journey of transformation and resilience. It demonstrates our ability to welcome the world, with Kigali standing ready as a modern, dynamic city capable of hosting events of the highest international standard. The scale of this year’s championships underlines its global significance. Athletes have travelled from across the world to compete on Kigali’s challenging and beautiful courses. This year’s representation is extraordinary: 38 nations from Africa, 35 from Europe, 20 from the Americas, 16 from Asia, and three from Oceania. Together, these riders embody the spirit of international friendship and competition. ALSO READ: Beyond the race: Turning UCI 2025 into a business boom for Kigali Among the nations competing, we are especially pleased to welcome Team Great Britain, whose riders joined their peers in Kigali to take on one of the most demanding world championship routes ever designed. Their participation is a testament to the deep and growing ties between Rwanda and the United Kingdom, ties built not only on sport but on mutual respect, partnership, and a shared love of cycling. ALSO READ: Sweden’s Söderqvist strikes first gold in U23 men’s world time trial As Kigali’s streets come alive with energy and excitement, we celebrate more than just competition. These championships represent partnerships, opportunity, and inspiration. They show young cyclists across Rwanda, Africa, and the world that their dreams have no limits, and that with determination and support, anything is possible. Hosting these championships is about more than one week of racing. It is about leaving a lasting legacy, from improved infrastructure and global visibility to increased tourism and new opportunities for local communities. It positions Rwanda as a growing hub for sport, diplomacy, and international events, and it brings tangible benefits that will endure long after the final race has been run. I am deeply proud of how far Rwanda has come in making this dream a reality, as we have done with many other aspirations. This event symbolizes not just where Rwanda is today, but where we are going, forward with hope, ambition, and a spirit of unity. As we watch the world’s best cyclists compete, may we all be inspired by their courage and determination, and may this week remind us of the power of sport to bring nations together, build friendships, and create lasting change. The writer is Rwanda’s envoy to the United Kingdom, Malta and Ireland.

Opinions

A global ride of unity: Kigali hosts 110 nations at historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships