The Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) is exploring the possibility of upgrading Tour du Rwanda to UCI WorldTour status by 2027, as part of efforts to build a lasting legacy from the country’s landmark global championships. Ferwacy president Samson Ndayishimiye told Times Sport on Tuesday, February 24, that the federation aims to elevate the race beyond its current UCI 2.1 classification, a status it has held since 2019. ALSO READ: Tour du Rwanda coordinator talks race overhaul, UCI World Tour “We are dreaming big for Rwandan cycling. We have hotels and facilities to host major events. For example, we have hosted 17 teams at Tour du Rwanda 2026, but we can accommodate up to 27 teams, so nothing is impossible,” Ndayishimiye said. Widely regarded as Africa’s biggest cycling race, Tour du Rwanda could take another significant step forward following Rwanda’s successful staging of the UCI Road World Championships in September 2025 — the first time the event was held on African soil. Ndayishimiye said the federation will engage the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and other stakeholders to explore the feasibility of securing WorldTour status. “You cannot stop thinking and dreaming big when it is possible. We have a chance to host even bigger events, so we will talk with the UCI and other stakeholders to see what is achievable. We will hold a meeting after the Tour du Rwanda and, from there, determine our next steps,” he added. A final decision on the race’s future is still months away. Although Ndayishimiye declined to shared details, sources indicate that Ferwacy plans to submit a formal proposal to the UCI later this year after consulting experienced partners and assessing logistical and commercial considerations. Among the alternative proposals under discussion is the creation of a one-day race using the Kigali World Championships circuit, potentially at WorldTour level, as well as the introduction of an additional stage race with a higher classification than the current Tour du Rwanda. Tour du Rwanda was first held in 1988 as a national event. It joined the UCI calendar in 2009 as a 2.2 race before being upgraded to 2.1 status in 2019. Since then, it has grown into Africa’s premier stage race and a key fixture on the international cycling calendar. Sidebar Tour du Rwanda’s remarkable growth since 1988 1988 – Launched as a national event 2009 – Entered the UCI calendar as a 2.2 race 2019 – Upgraded to 2.1 status 2025 – Rwanda hosts UCI Road World Championships Target 2027 – Potential WorldTour elevation
