Rwanda Hosts Africa’s First UCI Road World Championships
Kigali welcomes global cycling elite as the continent stages historic edition of the 265km men’s road race.
Kigali, Rwanda, has become the first African city to host the prestigious UCI Road World Championships, a historic milestone for global cycling and the continent’s growing role in international sports.
The week-long competition, which kicked off on September 18, brings together top riders from across the world, including Slovenia’s two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar, Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, and other world-class athletes. The men’s elite road race will stretch 265 kilometres through Kigali’s hilly terrain, considered one of the toughest routes in recent years.
Organisers say the event underscores Africa’s readiness to host global sporting events. Rwanda, which has invested heavily in sports tourism, views the championship as a chance to showcase its stability, infrastructure, and natural beauty. “Hosting the world here is not just about cycling, it is about Africa telling a new story,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at the opening ceremony.
Local businesses are also benefiting, with thousands of visitors expected to boost hotels, restaurants, and tourism sites. Cycling federations across Africa hope the exposure will encourage more investment in training and infrastructure for local riders.
Source: Reuters
