Kigali to Host Historic UCI Road World Championships in 2025

For the first time in its 98-year history, the UCI Road World Championships are set to take place on African soil, with Kigali, Rwanda, hosting the prestigious event from September 21 to 28, 2025. This landmark occasion not only highlights Rwanda's emergence as a cycling hub but also signifies a broader shift in the sport's global landscape.

The 2025 championships will feature 13 events across various categories, including elite men and women, under-23, and junior divisions. The challenging courses, characterized by Kigali's hilly terrain and high altitude, are expected to test the endurance and strategy of participants. Top contenders such as Belgium's Remco Evenepoel and Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar are poised to make their mark, while the introduction of GPS tracking systems aims to enhance rider safety throughout the competition.

Event Schedule and Course Details

The competition spans eight days, with time trials scheduled in the first half and road races in the latter half. All races will be held in Kigali's city center, known for its challenging hilly terrain.

• Elite Men's Road Race: Scheduled for September 28, this race covers a demanding 267.5 km course with 5,475 meters of elevation gain, making it one of the most challenging in the event's history.

• Elite Women's Road Race: Set for September 27, the course spans 164.6 km with 3,350 meters of elevation gain.

• Individual Time Trials: The elite men's time trial on September 21 covers 40.6 km with 680 meters of elevation gain, while the elite women's time trial on the same day spans 31.2 km with 460 meters of elevation gain.

Key Contenders

• Remco Evenepoel: The Belgian cyclist is aiming for his third consecutive men's time trial title. At 25, Evenepoel finds the high-altitude, fast course in Kigali favorable, noting its absence of steep climbs and its straight descents.

• Tadej Pogačar: The Slovenian rider, reigning road race champion and Tour de France winner, is seeking a time trial-road race double.

• Chloé Dygert: The American cyclist, a two-time world champion, is a top contender in the elite women's individual time trial.

Team Participation

• Great Britain: The 25-rider squad includes Tom Pidcock and Oscar Onley in the elite men's events, and Anna Henderson in the elite women's time trial. Notably, Britain will not field a team in the elite women's road race for the first time in over 30 years, focusing instead on the newly introduced under-23 women's road race.

• Australia: The elite men's squad features riders like Luke Plapp, Jay Vine, and Jai Hindley, who are well-suited for Rwanda’s tough course, featuring significant climbing and high-altitude conditions.

Safety Measures

To enhance rider safety, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced the implementation of a GPS tracking system across all races. This system will allow race officials to monitor real-time positions and speeds of riders, facilitating quick responses in case of accidents.

Broadcasting

Cycling enthusiasts worldwide can follow the championships through various broadcasting partners. In the United States, coverage is available on the FloBikes streaming platform.

Historical Significance

This historic event not only showcases Rwanda's growing prominence in the global cycling community but also highlights Africa's increasing role in hosting major international sporting events.

Weather Forecast

The weather in Kigali during the championships is expected to be warm, with temperatures ranging from lows of 58°F (15°C) to highs of 87°F (30°C). Conditions will vary from partly sunny to mostly cloudy, with a chance of thunderstorms on September 26 and 28.

As the global cycling community converges on Kigali, the 2025 UCI Road World Championships promise to be a historic and challenging event, setting the stage for future international competitions on the African continent.