Kigali to Host Historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships

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Tour du Rwanda has gained much recognition

MON 30 SEP, 2024 15:55

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First-ever UCI Road World Championships on African Soil Set for September 2025

Zurich, Switzerland – The cycling world is poised for a groundbreaking event as Kigali, Rwanda, prepares to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships from September 21 to September 28, 2025.

This milestone marks the first time the prestigious championships will take place on the African continent, providing a platform for elite cyclists to tackle the challenging terrain of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."

The event, organised in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling's global governing body, promises a week filled with thrilling competitions.

With its steep climbs and high altitudes, Kigali’s course is expected to test the limits of even the most seasoned competitors.

As anticipation builds among Rwandans and international cyclists alike, this event will surely etch its name in cycling history.

In Rwanda, cycling is more than just a sport; it is a vital part of daily life.

Bicycles serve as a primary mode of transport, enabling locals to navigate the hilly landscape while carrying goods and commuting.

Visitors often admire the resilience and resourcefulness of Rwandans as they traverse the country’s rugged roads.

Competitive cycling is thriving in Rwanda, exemplified by the growing popularity of the annual Tour du Rwanda, which attracts international competitors and ignites excitement among local fans.

Cycling has also become a cherished weekend pastime, with many Rwandans enjoying the country’s stunning scenery on leisurely rides.

Time Trials and Road Races

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships will feature an exciting array of events, commencing with individual time trials (ITT) for both Women and Men Elite on Sunday, September 21.

The ITT course includes several climbs, with a 680m elevation for the Men Elite and 460m for Women Elite. The team time trial mixed relay will conclude the time trials on Wednesday.

Road races will take riders into the heart of Kigali starting Thursday, beginning with the Women Under 23 race, which will be held as a separate event for the first time.

Most races will centre around the Local Circuit (15.1 km), which includes the challenging Cote Kimihurura—a steep, cobblestoned climb.

The Men Elite road race will feature an extended 42.5 km circuit, incorporating iconic climbs like Mur Kigali and Mont Kigali.

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships are significant not only for Rwanda but for the entire African continent.

This landmark event showcases Africa’s capacity to host major international sporting occasions and aims to inspire cycling growth across the region.

The introduction of a separate Women Under 23 race underscores a commitment to gender equality in the sport, a value that Rwanda strongly supports.

Richard Nyirishema, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, expressed pride in hosting the championships, stating, “Sport has played a vital role in Rwanda’s development over the past thirty years.

"We have no doubt that this event will create a lasting legacy. Rwandans love cycling, and you can already feel the excitement building as we get closer to welcoming the world’s best riders to ride new heights in our Land of a Thousand Hills.”

UCI President David Lappartient shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying, “Bringing the UCI Road World Championships to Africa has been my vision for several years. I am delighted that this historic event will take place in Rwanda, a country known for the magnificent Tour du Rwanda. Kigali and the whole country have a rich cycling culture that will now be shared with the world.”

As the world gears up for this unprecedented cycling event, Rwanda stands ready to showcase its vibrant culture and passion for cycling, creating a lasting impact on the sport both locally and internationally.

Time Trials

Sunday, September 21