Rwanda breaks new ground as Africa’s first World Championships host
Kigali has etched its name in cycling history as the first African city to host the prestigious UCI Road World Championships, running from September 21-28, 2025. The Rwandan capital’s selection represents a watershed moment for continental cycling development.
The event serves as a platform for African athletes to showcase their capabilities on cycling’s biggest stage, with the challenging terrain of the “land of a thousand hills” providing a unique testing ground for international competitors. Many riders are experiencing Rwanda’s mountainous landscape for the first time.
The championships have shattered participation records, featuring 108 competing nations; the highest number outside combined championships while 132 countries attended the UCI Congress. UCI President David Lappartient praised this milestone for African cycling.
A significant innovation this year includes the inaugural separate Women Under-23 races, previously competed alongside elite women since the category’s 2022 introduction in Australia. This expansion reflects the UCI’s commitment to developing women’s cycling.
The timing proves crucial as African cyclists increasingly gain international recognition.
The UCI’s dedicated Africa 2025 strategy, coordinated through its World Cycling Centre and South African satellite facility in Paarl, has specifically prepared talented African riders for this moment.
Beyond competition, the championships symbolize cycling’s globalization and Africa’s growing influence in professional cycling, potentially inspiring a new generation of continental talent.
