Cycling sector thrives in competition-light Rwanda, shaping its status as the global cycling hub
World Championships Headed to Rwanda: A Historic First for Africa
The World Championships of cycling are set to make history this year, as they will be held for the first time ever on the African continent in Rwanda. The decision to host the event in Rwanda was made back in 2021, with technical support from ASO and logistics from Golazo.
Rwanda, located in the East African Great Lakes region, has a rich cycling culture, with cycling being a common means of transport. The country had to develop its sports culture from scratch after the Tutsi genocide, with a focus on turning cyclists into competitors. This focus paid off, as the Tour of Rwanda, established in 2009, was upgraded to category 1 on the UCI calendar.
The development of cycling in Africa was not a priority at the International Federation headquarters, but that changed when David Lappartient, a candidate for the UCI presidency, promised to organize the World Championships on the African continent in 2017. Rwanda had already been considering the development of cycling, including organizing a World Tour event or a World Championship.
The conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo's regular forces and the M23 militias supported by Rwanda at the border did not affect the organization of the World Championships. Despite attempts by Belgian diplomacy to influence regional geopolitics and discredit the organization of the World Championships in Rwanda, peace agreements were signed in Washington in June 2022, allowing the event to overcome all obstacles.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame believes that sport, including cycling, should be a political means to uplift the country. He made the official submission for organizing the 2025 World Championship in Rwanda. The World Championships will receive technical support from ASO and logistics from Golazo, just like the Tour de France.
Tadej Pogacar and his team will participate in the World Championships in Rwanda from Sunday. The event is expected to attract cyclists from all over the world, making it a truly global celebration of the sport. The World Championships in Rwanda will undoubtedly be a significant milestone for cycling in Africa and a testament to the country's determination to excel in the sport.
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