The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body for cycling, has confirmed that Rwanda will host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships as scheduled, despite ongoing tensions in the region.
In a statement released on the UCI official website, the cycling body said it is “closely monitoring developments” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel group has captured territory near the Rwandan border. However, the governing body emphasized that “the ongoing conflict is confined to the DRC, and Rwanda remains completely safe for tourism and business.”
“We look forward to a quick resolution and the pacific of the situation,” the UCI statement read. “The UCI wishes to emphasise that sport, and cycling in particular, are powerful ambassadors of peace, friendship and solidarity.”
The UCI also addressed rumors of a potential relocation of the event, clarifying that “no displacement of the UCI Road World Championships in 2025, from Rwanda to Switzerland or any other place is not scheduled for this day.”
Rwanda is set to become the first African nation to host the prestigious cycling event, which is scheduled for September 21-28, 2025. The decision to hold the championships in Kigali has faced some scrutiny due to the regional security concerns stemming from the conflict in eastern DRC.
However, the UCI’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Rwanda underscores the country’s growing reputation as a global sports destination. The 2025 Road World Championships will be a significant milestone, showcasing Rwanda’s ability to successfully organize and host a major international sporting event.
“Sport, and cycling in particular, are powerful ambassadors of peace, friendship and solidarity,” the UCI said. “We remain dedicated to working with the Local Organizing Committee to deliver an exceptional UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.”
