Rwanda Keeps Succeeding Against All Odds: Hosting the UCI and Defying Criticism
Even with the media
criticism, Rwanda keeps succeeding against all odds. In the heart of Africa, a
historic race is underway, as Kigali, Rwanda, hosts the 2025 Union Cycliste
Internationale World Road Championships. For the first time in the event's
103-year history, the world's most prestigious cycling competition is being held
on African soil, a landmark moment for the sport and the continent.
From September 21st to
the 28th, the eyes of the cycling world are fixed on Rwanda's "thousand
hills". Over 900 riders from more than 100 countries are competing in
individual time trials, team time trials, and grueling road races. The course, known
for its steep climbs, is proving to be one of the most physically demanding in
the championship's history.
This event is a
culmination of years of growth for Rwandan cycling. The nation, passionate
about the sport, has seen its cycling profile rise with the success of its
annual Tour du Rwanda race. The UCI World Championships is more than just a
race; it's a celebration of Rwanda's progress and a strategic move to become a
continental hub for sports.
The championships will
not only determine new world champions but also leave a lasting legacy for
Rwanda and African cycling. It aims to inspire the next generation of riders
while boosting sports tourism and showcasing the country's vibrant culture to a
global audience. As the riders battle the challenging terrain, they are riding
new heights, both figuratively and literally, in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Kigali’s streets have
turned into a living stadium, alive with color, cheers, and the rhythmic hum of
wheels against the pavement. Crowds have gathered on every corner, eager to
witness history being made as elite cyclists climb the unforgetting slopes of the Kigali hills. The city’s hilly terrain is proving to be both a battleground and a
spectacle, testing the strength, endurance, and tactics of the world’s finest
riders. The iconic local circuit, with its steep cobblestoned climbs, is
pushing athletes to their limits while offering fans some of the most dramatic
racing moments seen in years.
The atmosphere around the championships has transformed Kigali into a global cycling capital, if only for this week. Cafés, hotels, and streets are buzzing with international visitors, turning the city into a crossroads of culture and sport. Each event, from the thrilling individual time trials to the grueling mixed relay and road races, is bringing together fans from every corner of the globe. The addition of the Women Under 23 Road Race as an independent category has been a highlight, reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to equality and inclusivity in sport while opening doors for young athletes to shine on the world stage.
As the competition
unfolds, it is clear that this is more than just a championship — it is a
statement about Rwanda’s vision and resilience. Hosting such a prestigious
event has cemented the country’s reputation as a capable and ambitious sporting
destination, ready to handle international events of the highest caliber. The
legacy of UCI Kigali 2025 will extend well beyond the podium, inspiring a new
generation of African cyclists, boosting sports tourism, and positioning Rwanda
as a key player in the global sporting arena. In every climb, every finish line
crossed, Kigali is showing the world that Africa is not just a venue for
history — it is where the future of the sport is being written.
The competition began
with the individual time trials for Women and Men Elite on Sunday, September
21, where riders battled 460 and 680 meters of elevation on a demanding course.
Each day brings new drama — from Under 23 and Junior time trials to the thrilling
Team Time Trial Mixed Relay, which wraps up the races against the clock.
Kigali is more than a
host city — it has become the beating heart of global cycling this week. Cafés
and hotels are packed with visitors, and local businesses are thriving as
thousands of fans gather from across the world. The air is charged with excitement,
and Rwandans are proud to share their vibrant culture with a global audience.
For Rwandans, cycling is
not just a sport — it is part of their identity, a symbol of perseverance that
mirrors the nation’s own journey of resilience and growth.[1] Every day, bicycles
crisscross the country’s hilly terrain, carrying farmers, students, and goods,
turning steep climbs into routine pathways of life. Visitors are often amazed
by the strength and ingenuity of Rwandans balancing heavy loads while navigating
unforgiving roads — a quiet display of determination that reflects how the
nation continues to rise, even against criticism and challenges.
That same spirit is now
on full display as competitive cycling takes center stage. The annual Tour du
Rwanda has already cemented the country’s reputation as a cycling powerhouse,
drawing international riders and filling streets with cheering crowds. Today,
this passion fuels the global spectacle of the UCI Road World Championships,
transforming Kigali into a living arena where everyday endurance meets elite
competition. Families, friends, and fans flock to the roads, not just to watch
the races but to celebrate how far their country has come. Cycling here is more
than a weekend leisure activity — it is a testament to Rwanda’s ability to turn
adversity into achievement, proving once again that the nation keeps moving
forward, one climb at a time.
This is more than just a
competition. It is a reflection of Rwanda’s vision, preparation, and
determination to rise to the occasion. Kigali is not just hosting the world —
it is inspiring it, proving that Africa can stage events of the highest caliber
while sharing its culture, hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes with
millions watching worldwide. The championship has become a living celebration
of resilience and ambition, showing that Rwanda continues to succeed against
all odds, one race, one climb, and one historic moment at a time.
Thirteen events are on
the programme, including five elite world titles, and for the first time, the
women’s U23 rainbow jersey is being awarded in a standalone race — a historic
milestone for the sport and for gender equality in cycling.[2]
The championships have drawn some of the biggest names in cycling. Tour de France champions Tadej Pogačar and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot are headlining the events, alongside Olympic double gold medallist Remco Evenepoel and Team USA star Chloé Dygert. Pogačar and Evenepoel are defending their titles in the men’s road race and time trial, while the absence of reigning women’s champions Lotte Kopecký and Grace Brown has opened the door for new contenders to make their mark. Fans are closely watching the high-stakes competitions, from the challenging 40.6 km men’s time trial with 680 meters of elevation to the women’s 31.2 km time trial and the grueling road races with multiple demanding climbs.
The men’s elite road race
is proving to be one of the toughest in Worlds history, covering 267.5 km with
a staggering 5,475 meters of climbing. Key climbs like Côte de Kigali Golf,
Côte de Kimihurura, Mont Kigali, and the steep Mur de Kigali are testing riders’
endurance, strategy, and climbing prowess. The women’s elite road race , at
164.6 km with 3,350 meters of elevation, is equally demanding, showcasing the
skills of climbers like Ferrand-Prévot and her rivals Demi Vollering, Elisa
Longo Borghini, and Katarzyna Niewiadoma. Every climb, every sprint, and every
finish line crossed highlights the extraordinary challenge and spectacle of
Kigali 2025.
As the city hosts these
world-class events, Kigali has become a hub of excitement and international
attention. Streets are lined with cheering spectators, fan zones are buzzing
with energy, and the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned hospitality
of Rwanda are on full display. The championships are not only a competition but
a celebration of Rwanda’s ambition and resilience, a demonstration of the
country’s capability to stage events of global significance, and an inspiration
to the next generation of African cyclists.
Amid the buzz and
excitement of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, some international media
criticism has emerged, notably claims that Rwanda’s government has used the
event to control narratives, including the reported denial of entry to a
Belgian journalist. While such reports have garnered attention, the unfolding
championship paints a different reality. Kigali is hosting over 900 riders from
more than 100 countries, safely managing complex logistics, road closures, and
public events with precision and professionalism. Streets are vibrant with
cheering fans, temporary fan zones operate smoothly, and athletes are competing
under world-class conditions, highlighting Rwanda’s organizational capacity.
The championships are unfolding without incident, demonstrating that the focus
remains firmly on sport, performance, and inclusivity — from the debut of the
Women Under 23 race to the high-profile clashes between Pogačar, Evenepoel, and
Ferrand-Prévot. The event is a tangible testament to Rwanda’s dedication to
cycling and its ability to host a global sporting spectacle, effectively
countering claims that the championships serve merely as a political showpiece.
Rwanda National
Police (RNP) plays a central and visible role in ensuring the event runs
smoothly, safely, and without disruption. From September 21st to 28th, while
over 900 world-class riders push their limits on the Time Trial and Road Race
courses, the police are orchestrating a city-wide operation that allows the
championship to proceed seamlessly alongside daily life.[3]
Assistant Commissioner of Police Boniface Rutikanga explains that every detail has been carefully planned: race routes are clearly marked, diversion routes are pre-established, and officers, supported by youth volunteers, are positioned at every junction to guide vehicles and pedestrians. “The riders must race without worry, and the city must keep moving without disruption,” he emphasizes. Roads along the courses close an hour before each stage, but alternative routes are actively managed to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure that commuters, businesses, and fans can navigate the city safely.
The police also take a proactive role in fan zone management, ensuring spectators enjoy the races up close without encroaching on the course. Valentin Bigango, Vice President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy), notes that “the first teammate off the blocks is always the Police,” highlighting how the RNP leads from the front, from lane closures and traffic marshalling to intersection control and safety enforcement.
Coordination extends
beyond the police alone. Local transport agents, businesses, and institutions
have been briefed and sensitized on their roles, allowing the city to function
efficiently even amid the global sporting spectacle. The meticulous planning
and execution by the police transform Kigali’s streets into a world-class race
venue while maintaining order, safety, and accessibility.
In Kigali this week, the Police are more than enforcers—they are the backbone of the championship, enabling the peloton to race freely, fans to cheer safely, and the city to showcase its hospitality and organizational excellence on a global stage. Their role underlines that behind every sprint, every climb, and every cheering crowd, the smooth and secure flow of the event is powered by careful, disciplined, and highly coordinated police work.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali have proven to be much more than a sporting event — they are a testament to Rwanda’s resilience, organizational capability, and vision. Against a backdrop of criticism and scrutiny, the nation has delivered a historic, safe, and world-class championship, showcasing its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to cycling excellence. The dedication of the Rwanda National Police, alongside meticulous planning by local institutions, has ensured seamless logistics, safe fan engagement, and smooth city operations, allowing the spotlight to remain firmly on the athletes and the competition. Kigali has transformed into a living arena where sport, community, and international attention converge, proving that Rwanda continues to succeed against all odds. From the debut of the Women Under 23 race to the challenging climbs of the elite road races, Kigali 2025 stands as a landmark moment — not only for cycling but for the continent, inspiring the next generation of African athletes and affirming Rwanda’s position on the global sporting stage.
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