For the first time, the World Road Cycling Championships were held on African soil. From September 21 to 28, 2025, Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, welcomed cyclists from 109 nations to compete in the 98th UCI Road World Championships.
The event quickly evolved into a celebration of sport, culture, and history, marking a landmark moment for Sweden. In the men’s U23 time trial over 31.2 kilometres, 22-year-old Jakob Söderqvist claimed Sweden’s first World Championship gold in the discipline since 1948. He crossed the finish line more than a minute ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pringle, while French rider Maxime Decomble took bronze
A historic milestone for Africa
Hosting the championships in Rwanda was a historic achievement. Candidate countries were evaluated on infrastructure, security, logistics, organisational capacity, and the ability to manage a large-scale international event. Rwanda excelled across the board.
“Never before have so many African nations participated in a cycling World Championship,” said UCI Director General Amina Lanaya in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA).
A total of 38 African countries were represented.
Kigali transformed
The city turned into a vibrant hub for cycling enthusiasts. Streets overflowed with cheering fans, hotels and restaurants were fully booked, and thousands of international visitors explored Rwanda’s rich culture and history.
The event offered more than sport. Guided visits to memorial sites such as Gisozi and Camp Kigali combined moments of reflection with admiration for Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and development. Visitors were struck by Kigali’s cleanliness, beauty, safety, and welcoming hospitality.
Beyond medals
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali represented more than a competition. It was a celebration of progress, a vision for the future, and a showcase of Africa’s growing role in global sport. The championship also provided an economic boost and highlighted the country’s tourism potential.
As the sun set over Rwanda’s hilly landscape, medals were not the only prize. The event demonstrated how sport can drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and promote international recognition.
By Olive Carlson
References
- Cyclingnews.com: Sweden’s Jakob Söderqvist triumphs in the Men U23 individual time trial in Kigali
- Union Cycliste Internationale: Lists of participating countries and starters in the different races. UCI Kigali 2025, ucikigali2025.rw
- The New Times: Rwanda hosts first-ever UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, newtimes.co.rw
- Olympics.com: Cycling: 2025 UCI World Road Championships, Rwanda: Schedule, all results, and medal winners
- TNT Sports: UCI Road World Championships 2025 – Cycling news & results