When it comes to the elite men and top team riders at the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Championships, fans often know who will cross the finish line first. But Kigali will launch a race where nothing is predictable—the inaugural standalone Under-23 (U23) women’s championship.
For the first time in history, women under 23 will compete in separate road and time trial events, turning the spotlight on rising stars and giving the global cycling scene a fresh, thrilling twist.
Set for September 27, the women’s road races feature Junior Women at 74.6 km and Elite Women at 164.6 km. Yet all eyes are on the U23 debut—a race where Rwanda will launch the first-ever U23 jersey and crown a new world champion. This is more than a competition; it’s a stage for young female African riders eager to make their mark on the global level.
Unlike elite events where favourites dominate, the U23 race is wide open. Every country and federation can send up to five riders, bringing together emerging talent from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Fans can expect a mix of familiar European names and fresh faces whose performances could redefine the future of women’s cycling.
In a championship often defined by predictability, Kigali’s U23 women’s race is the highlight—a test of talent, ambition, and potential.
