Kigali, Rwanda — September 12, 2025
Rwanda is set to make history as it welcomes the 98th edition of the UCI Road Cycling World Championships, taking place from September 21 to 28, 2025, in the capital city, Kigali. This marks the first time the prestigious event will be held on the African continent, a milestone moment for global cycling and for Rwanda’s growing sporting reputation.
A Landmark Event
The Championships will feature 13 races across Elite, Under-23, and Junior categories, including road races, individual time trials, and the mixed relay team event. Notably, this year introduces a dedicated Women’s Under-23 race, ensuring more representation and recognition for young female cyclists.
Challenging Routes in Kigali
The race courses are expected to be among the toughest in World Championships history, with steep climbs and high-altitude terrain.
The Elite Men’s road race will span 267.5 km with 5,475 meters of climbing.
The Elite Women’s road race will cover 164.6 km with 3,350 meters of ascent.
These routes highlight Kigali’s hilly landscape, offering both a competitive challenge for riders and a spectacular viewing experience for fans.
Preparations in Rwanda
To accommodate the Championships, Kigali is undergoing major logistical preparations:
Roads in the city will be closed at specific times during the event.
Schools will close from September 21 to 28 to minimize disruption.
Public servants and businesses are encouraged to adopt remote working during the week.
Fan zones will be set up across the city for spectators to safely enjoy the races.
Safety and Technology
In a major update, the UCI has mandated GPS trackers for all riders, improving emergency response following past safety concerns.
Who’s In and Who’s Out
Several cycling stars are preparing for the Kigali showdown:
Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel are seen as strong contenders.
Lotte Kopecky, reigning women’s world champion, announced she will not defend her title, citing physical and mental readiness.
Wout van Aert has also confirmed he will skip the event.
Global Attention and Controversy
While the Championships shine a spotlight on Rwanda, the event has not been free from criticism. Human rights groups have raised concerns about Rwanda’s alleged role in regional conflicts, but the UCI has reaffirmed that the event will go ahead as planned in Kigali.
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The 2025 UCI Road Cycling World Championships promise to be a historic and challenging event, showcasing Rwanda’s landscapes to the world while giving Africa its first taste of cycling’s biggest annual competition.
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