Key points:
- Rwanda’s 2025 cycling world championships face uncertainty due to rising conflict in neighbouring DRC
- UCI denies plans to relocate the event, confirming Kigali remains the host city
- Security fears prompt Quick-Step to withdraw, while other teams remain committed
RWANDA is set to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in September, marking the first tim
e the event will be held in Africa. However, escalating tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have sparked concerns that the event could be relocated to Europe.
The country has a deep-rooted cycling culture, with the annual Tour of Rwanda taking place since 1988. This year’s edition is set to begin on February 23. However, the worsening conflict in eastern DRC, where Rwandan troops are reportedly advancing despite government denials of supporting the M23 rebels, has raised alarms within the international cycling community.
Neighbouring Burundi has also reportedly deployed 10,000 troops in support of the DRC army, increasing fears that the conflict could escalate further. The International Cycling Union (UCI) and Rwandan authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
UCI reassures amid relocation rumours
Reports in the Belgian media have suggested that the UCI is considering moving the world championships to Martigny, Switzerland. However, cycling’s governing body has refuted these claims.
‘There are no plans to relocate the event,’ the UCI stated, confirming that its president, David Lappartient, will visit Rwanda at the end of the month during the Tour of Rwanda to oversee preparations and attend the inauguration of a UCI World Cycling Centre satellite.
Rwandan officials have also dismissed relocation concerns, reiterating that Kigali remains a safe host city. ‘The race will go ahead as planned, and there are no changes to the route,’ government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told AFP.
Teams weigh safety risks
Kigali, located 275 kilometres (170 miles) from the DRC border, remains secure, but some segments of
the Tour of Rwanda route pass close to conflict zones. This has led to withdrawals from some teams, with Belgian outfit Quick-Step opting out due to security concerns.
‘A stage arrival and departure near a risk zone, with the team hotel in that region
, was too much of a concern for us,’ Quick-Step director Jurgen Fore said. ‘We requested a route change but ultimately decided against participating.’
Despite the concerns, French team Total Energies and Israel Premier Tech have committed to racing. Total Energies director Jean-René Bernaudeau remains confident in Rwanda’s ability to host the event safely.
‘I trust the strength of the Rwandan army. Right now, they are more focused on operations beyond their borders than any internal threats. I have no reason to be worried,’ he told AFP.
Logistics and budgetary challenges
Beyond security, financial and logistical factors are also influencing participation. Denmark and the Netherlands have already announced reduced squad sizes due to high travel and accommodation costs. Other federations are evaluating health and climate conditions, though Bernaudeau dismissed concerns.
‘Kigali is not very hot, and we’re at an altitude of 1,600 metres. As long as we drink bottled water and eat at the hotel, there’s no risk. It’s unfair to judge conditions without actually being here,’ he said.
With UCI officials reaffirming their com
mitment to Rwanda and local organisers insisting the event will go ahead as planned, attention now turns to the Tour of Rwanda. The eight-day race will serve as a key test of the country’s ability to safely host the sport’s biggest road cycling event on the continent.
