Rwanda Writes Its Name into Cycling History with Thrilling 2025 UCI Road World Championships

Rwanda Rides into History with the 2025 UCI Road World Championships KIGALI, RWANDA - SEPTEMBER 28: The streets of Kigali and surrounding hills witnessed a historic moment in cycling as the 98th UCI Cycling World Championships came to an end on September 28, 2025. Tadej Pogacar, representing Team Slovenia, emerged victorious in the Men Elite Road Race, completing the grueling 267.5km course from Kigali to Kigali in a time of 6 hours and 24 minutes. The 2025 edition of the championships marked the first time the event was held on African soil, with Rwanda proudly hosting the world's top cyclists. The challenging terrain, featuring high-altitude climbs and steep cobbled roads, pushed riders to their limits. "This course was brutal," said Pogacar in a post-race interview. "The heat, the hills - it was a true test of endurance." Rwanda's selection as host nation was not without its challenges. The country had to invest heavily in infrastructure and logistics to accommodate the influx of international teams and spectators. However, according to Rwanda's Minister of Sports, Olivier Nsengiyumva, "the rewards far outweighed the costs." "This event has put Rwanda on the global cycling map," he added. The UCI Road World Championships have a rich history, dating back to 1927. The event has been held in various locations around the world, but never before had it taken place on African soil. This year's edition saw a record number of participants, with over 250 riders from more than 40 countries competing across multiple disciplines. For Rwanda, hosting the championships was an opportunity to showcase its natural beauty and emerging cycling culture. The country has been investing heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of new roads and bike paths. "We hope that this event will inspire a new generation of Rwandan cyclists," said Nsengiyumva. The success of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships has set a high standard for future events. As the world's top cyclists continue to push the boundaries of human performance, Rwanda has proven itself as a capable and enthusiastic host. With its stunning natural scenery and growing cycling community, Rwanda is poised to become a regular fixture on the international cycling calendar. In related news, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced that Rwanda will bid for future championships, with Kigali set to host the 2027 UCI Road World Championships. The decision is seen as a testament to Rwanda's growing reputation as a major player in the world of professional cycling. *Reporting by Forbes.*