On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at exactly 10:20 a.m. inside BK Arena, Rwandan cyclist Nirere Xaveline made the sign of the cross before setting off on her bike — marking the official start of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali. It was the first time in history that this global event, often compared to the FIFA World Cup, was held on African soil, after more than 50 countries on the continent had never hosted it.
The journey to this milestone began in April 2018, when then-FERWACY president Aimable Bayingana first expressed Rwanda’s ambition to bring the championships to Kigali. Few believed it was possible at the time, especially as Rwanda was only hosting the Tour du Rwanda, then ranked at 2.1 level.
In 2019, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) encouraged African countries to bid for hosting rights, with Morocco considered the main candidate. Rwanda stepped forward and submitted its candidacy. On September 23, 2021, UCI officially confirmed Rwanda as the 2025 host.
Despite opposition from critics and letters sent to UCI calling for Rwanda to be stripped of hosting rights, preparations went ahead. Kigali invested heavily in road infrastructure, setting the stage for the world’s biggest cycling competition.
On opening day, UCI President David Lappartient declared the championships officially underway before 918 riders from 110 countries. Nirere Xaveline of Rwanda was the first to set off in the Individual Time Trial. Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser and Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel claimed victory in the women’s and men’s categories respectively on day one.
However, controversy briefly emerged when Belgian MP Lydia Mutyebele questioned Rwanda’s human rights record, arguing the country should not host the event. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, dismissed her remarks, noting that Belgian athletes themselves were in Kigali competing successfully, including Evenepoel who secured his third consecutive world title in time trials.
The week-long championship carried the theme “Ride the Future,” culminating on Sunday, September 28, with the men’s elite road race. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar, 27, emerged champion after completing the 267.5 km course in 6 hours, 21 minutes, and 20 seconds. He finished ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel and Ireland’s Ben Healy.
President Paul Kagame, together with UCI President David Lappartient and Prince Albert II of Monaco, presided over the medal ceremony. Kagame awarded Pogačar the gold medal and presented him with a gorilla sculpture, a symbolic gift given to all race winners during the championships.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Lappartient praised Kigali’s exceptional organization, saying:
“The city of Kigali has done more than we ever expected. The global cycling family has felt Rwanda’s love throughout this week. We will never forget how warmly your country welcomed us.”
On social media, he added: “Thank you Kigali, thank you Rwanda. Words cannot describe the emotions of today. Your passion and hospitality made this championship unforgettable.”
For his part, President Kagame said Rwanda was honored to host the world:
“We are proud to have welcomed the 2025 UCI Road World Championships. I congratulate all the athletes for their outstanding performances and resilience, and thank UCI, our partners, security agencies, and above all, the Rwandan people whose support made this event truly memorable.”
Cycling fans and citizens alike expressed pride in Rwanda’s achievement. Kigali City spokesperson Emma Claudine Ntirenganya described the championship as “eight days of joy,” reflecting the capital’s deep-rooted cycling culture. Residents echoed that Rwanda had once again proven its capacity to host world-class events.
The UCI Road World Championships now join Rwanda’s growing list of major international gatherings, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), FIFA Congress, FIA General Assembly, and other high-profile summits. Rwanda is also aiming to host a Formula 1 event in the future — a sign of its ambition to remain at the forefront of global sports and events.
