Rwanda Embraces a New Dawn as Africa Hosts Cycling’s Biggest Stage

Rwanda will welcome the world for Africa’s first UCI Road World Championships, igniting continental pride and drawing global attention. The landmark event in Kigali, scheduled for September 21–28, puts Africa at the center of professional cycling and promises a transformative legacy far beyond the finish line.

African Stars Set to Shine

Among the most celebrated athletes on the Kigali start line is Mauritian cyclist Kim Le Court, who made history earlier this year as the first African to wear the leader's yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes. 

Le Court has consistently broken barriers for riders from smaller nations, inspiring the continent’s next generation of riders. “This moment transcends me—it’s about showing that athletes from smaller nations can step into history,” she said, capturing the event’s spirit.

Ugandan time trial specialist Charles Kagimu is a strong contender in the upcoming competition. As a two-time African time trial champion, Kagimu has earned international respect for his remarkable performance at the Olympic Games in Paris, where he spent over 190 km in a breakaway despite battling illness. 

He rides for Team Amani and is set to compete in the challenging 40.6 km men’s elite time trial in Kigali, where he is determined to make his mark at the highest level of cycling.

Rwanda’s own Jazilla Mwamikazi is expected to make headlines in the debut women's U23 road race—a new standalone championship event in 2025. 

Having recently become the Rwandan national champion and excelled in races across Brittany, France, Mwamikazi is emblematic of the rapid rise of young talent across the continent. 

Coaches at the World Cycling Centre call her “one of the most promising new riders in Africa,” noting her meteoric progress since joining their development programs.

Fans will be eager to watch Eritrean cyclist Henok Mulubrhan, a former Tour du Rwanda winner and the highest-ranked African rider in the UCI standings.

Eritrean cyclists have been at the forefront of African success in the Tour du Rwanda, and Mulubrhan will be eager to continue this tradition of excellence on home soil.

Continental Unity and High Stakes

Excitement is surging across Africa as federations mobilize scouts and training camps to maximize their country’s presence at the championships. 

The competition features thirteen events, with equal opportunities for men and women across junior, under-23, and elite categories. Kigali’s challenging course signature circuit, which winds through scenic hills, will test riders’ endurance and tactical skills, further amplifying the stakes for all African entrants.

International focus brings intense scrutiny. Some agencies and athletes have raised security concerns over regional tensions, notably between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

However, robust safety protocols are in place, assuring a secure environment for competitors and visitors.

The championships are set to boost cycling infrastructure and tourism throughout Rwanda. Investments in new facilities and roads have laid a foundation for growth, while the event inspires thousands of young Africans, motivating the next generation of elite cyclists. 

Rwanda’s moment in the spotlight could reshape the global sporting calendar and challenge long-standing assumptions about African excellence and opportunity.

As Rwanda prepares to host cycling's most prestigious event, African riders led by Kim Le Court, Charles Kagimu, Jazilla Mwamikazi, and Henok Mulubrhan embody the continent's resilience, ambition, and unity. 

Their achievements and participation signify that Africa is ready to lead and inspire, not only on the racecourse but also in redefining possibilities for future generations.