The city of Kigali is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Road Cycling World Championships roll into Rwanda, marking a monumental first for Africa in the competition’s 104-year history. For cyclists and fans alike, the event is more than just another race—it’s a symbol of pride, progress, and the continent’s rising profile on the global sporting stage.
On the streets of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, the excitement is palpable. Ronald Yiga, a 32-year-old member of the Fun Cycling Club, is one of many African riders who see the championships as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dressed in the vibrant colors of his nation, Yiga meticulously checks his racing bicycle before embarking on a grueling 100-kilometer training ride. His eyes are set on Kigali, where dreams of racing alongside cycling legends are finally within reach.
“This is so big for the continent,” Yiga says, reflecting on how the sport has grown from a pastime to a passion for many Africans. He took up cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a way to get around lockdown restrictions, but his dedication quickly soared. Now, he’s preparing to line up against some of the world’s best, including the Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar—the reigning road race world champion and four-time Tour de France winner. “I can’t wait to see him (Pogačar) ... because I have been seeing him on TV in the Tour de France. I can’t wait.”
For Yiga’s teammate, Aziz Ssempijja, the event’s location is a game-changer. “Often, these championships are held in European countries where we cannot go because we lack support from our governments. But now that it’s in Rwanda, we can even take a bus to get there,” Ssempijja explains. He’s not just racing for glory—he’s racing for a shot at a professional career. “I might perform well in these championships and you never know I might get a team that can be able to spot my talent … that can push my skills to the next level.”
Rwanda’s selection as host is the result of years of investment and ambition. The government, led by President Paul Kagame, has poured resources into sports infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art $100 million BK Arena. The championships are part of a broader strategy to rebrand the nation as a hub for international sport and tourism. Kagame’s administration has also struck partnerships with European soccer teams and is reportedly eyeing a bid to bring Formula 1’s first African Grand Prix in over thirty years to Rwandan soil. “The sky is the limit,” Kagame said earlier this year while inaugurating a new sports facility in Kigali. “Sports can bring tens of billions to Africa, and we must be part of that story.”
The event is drawing riders from approximately 100 nations, all converging on Kigali to tackle challenging courses, including the men’s elite road race—a punishing 273-kilometer route with over 3,500 meters of elevation gain, featuring the notorious Mur du Kigali climb. The women’s race is set for Saturday, September 27, 2025, while the men’s takes place on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The global audience is expected to exceed 300 million, putting African cycling firmly in the international spotlight.
For many African cyclists, the journey to the world stage hasn’t been easy. Riders like Yiga and Ssempijja often train and compete on vintage rim-brake bikes, a far cry from the high-tech machines favored by their professional counterparts. Yet, their determination is unwavering. “It’s about my future,” says Eric Manizabayo, a Rwandan national team cyclist, echoing the hopes of countless young athletes across the continent.
Jacques Landry, director of the World Cycling Center, a UCI-backed development initiative, sees the championships as a pivotal moment. “They’re not a finality of what’s going on in Africa. They’re a rebirth of what can happen moving forward. I think for most of the national federations, they do see it as a way to ignite more activities in Africa, the linchpin of African cycling.” Local competitions are on the rise, giving children and amateur riders new opportunities to race and dream. “When young people see you, they get interested and inspired,” says Ras B. Ssali, Chairman of the Fun Cycling Group.
The streets of Kigali are alive with celebration. Motorcycle taxi operators, like Eric Mupenzi, navigate the capital’s police-controlled roads, eager to witness history. “This is our moment to show the world Rwanda’s spirit,” Mupenzi says. “We will line the hills and roar for every rider, like the whole city is pedaling together.” Jean de Dieu Uwimana, a local fan, adds, “We will cheer so loud that the world can hear us.” Market vendors, children, and visitors from around the globe have flocked to the city, painting the hillsides with vibrant energy and national pride.
Yet, the championships unfold amid controversy. Human rights organizations and international observers have accused Rwanda’s government of “sportswashing”—using high-profile events to distract from allegations of repression and its alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Congo. Last year, U.S. senators warned the NBA about its partnerships in Rwanda, citing concerns over complicity in abuses. The shadow of politics looms, but for many, the event is about more than geopolitics—it’s about hope, visibility, and the future of African sport.
“These championships have never been in Africa so it’s going to help us a lot. We Africans need to give a good performance so that Europeans can also know that Africans can do cycling,” says Ssempijja, capturing the aspirations of a continent. For Rwanda, the event is a statement of intent: a declaration that Africa is ready to host, compete, and inspire on the world stage.
As the races continue through the weekend, the world watches Kigali. Whether it’s the thunder of wheels up the Mur du Kigali or the cheers echoing from the hills, Africa’s first Road Cycling World Championships are making history—one pedal stroke at a time. The action is ongoing, and the legacy is only just beginning to take shape.
