The 2025 UCI Road World Championships are set to make history as they take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 21 to 28, marking the first time this prestigious event will be hosted on African soil. This milestone reflects the growing prominence of cycling across the continent and offers a unique platform for elite cyclists to compete on Rwanda’s challenging terrain, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Organized in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the sport’s global governing body, the championships promise a week of intense competition. Kigali’s course, characterized by multiple climbs and high altitudes, is expected to test the limits of even the most seasoned riders. Anticipation is building among both local fans and international competitors eager to etch their names in cycling history.
Cycling: A Pillar of Rwandan Culture
In Rwanda, cycling transcends sport; it is an integral part of daily life. Bicycles serve as a primary mode of transportation, enabling people to navigate the country’s hilly landscapes and transport goods efficiently. Visitors often marvel at the endurance and ingenuity of Rwandans as they traverse these challenging roads. Competitive cycling has also seen a significant rise, with events like the annual Tour du Rwanda gaining popularity. This race attracts international participants and ignites enthusiasm among local supporters who line the streets to cheer on their favorite riders. Additionally, cycling has become a cherished weekend activity for many Rwandans, who take to the roads with friends and family to enjoy the nation’s breathtaking scenery.
A Week of Rigorous Competition
The championships will feature a comprehensive schedule of events, beginning with individual time trials (ITT) for both Women and Men Elite categories on Sunday, September 21. The ITT course includes several climbs, with a 680-meter elevation gain for the Men Elite and 460 meters for the Women Elite. The team time trial mixed relay is slated to conclude the races against the clock on Wednesday. From Thursday onwards, road races will lead riders into the heart of Kigali, starting with the Women Under 23 race, which will be held as a separate event for the first time. Most races will center around the Local Circuit (15.1 km), featuring the short but steep and cobblestoned Côte Kimihurura near the end. Depending on the category, riders will navigate this loop multiple times. The Men Elite road race will include the more demanding Extension Circuit (42.5 km) and iconic climbs such as Mur Kigali and Mont Kigali, culminating in a total elevation gain of 5,475 meters, making it one of the most challenging editions in the event’s history.
A Continental Milestone
Hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships is not only a significant achievement for Rwanda but also a landmark moment for the entire African continent. The event will showcase Africa’s readiness to host major international sporting events and is expected to inspire the growth of cycling across the region. Notably, the inclusion of a separate Women Under 23 race for the first time reflects a commitment to gender equality in the sport, a value that Rwanda proudly champions.
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema, expressed pride in the nation’s role as the first African host of this iconic event, stating, “Sport has played a vital role in Rwanda’s development over the past thirty years, driving our economic development as well as building sporting ecosystems in the country, and 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 also shared his enthusiasm, noting, “Bringing the UCI Road World Championships to the African continent has been my vision for several years. Just one year from now, that vision will become a reality. I am delighted that this historic event will take place in Rwanda, already known for the magnificent Tour du Rwanda. Kigali and the whole of the country have a rich cycling culture that will now be shared with the world.”
As the countdown to September 2025 continues, Rwanda is preparing to welcome the global cycling community, offering a unique blend of challenging courses, vibrant culture, and unparalleled hospitality. The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali promise to be a historic and transformative event for cycling in Africa and beyond.
