Only 6 months left, the Rwanda World Cup is getting complicated and the UCI says there is no plan B

The armed conflict that is taking place in neighboring Congo has cast a shadow over the celebration, next September, of the World Cycling Championship that will take place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. At the moment, the UCI maintains the celebration in this country.

Is the celebration of the first African cycling World Championship in danger?

Between September 21 and 28, the dispute of the 2025 World Cycling Championships is scheduled in an unprecedented venue, the first time this competition will take place in African lands, specifically in Rwanda, which, coincidentally, these days is hosting its traditional stage race that runs through some of the roads that will host the World Championship.

A World Championship that, in sporting terms, since the venue was announced, has been considered tremendously attractive thanks to the altitude of the region and the 5,475 meters of elevation gain that will accumulate in its 267 kilometers.

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However, doubts about the feasibility of holding this world championship have been growing due to the armed conflict in neighboring Congo between the government and the armed group M23, which would be supported by Rwanda in order to gain access to the mineral resources of Congo. Clashes in Congo date back more than 30 years, but in recent months they have intensified, leading the issue to reach the European Parliament where several countries have expressed doubts about the convenience of holding this Cycling World Championship there.

However, UCI President David Lappartient does not seem to have any doubts about the dispute of the Rwanda World Championship: "There is no plan B" he stated during the presentation of the 2025 Tour of Rwanda that is taking place these days.

"The Kigali World Championship is very important for us and is held at a unique moment as the UCI celebrates its 125th anniversary, that's why we decided to go to Africa. It was my dream and goal when I was elected president of the UCI" added Lappartient.

The president of the cycling's governing body also clarified that the cost could be significant for the different teams, similar to what they had to face to compete in the World Championship in Australia two years ago, although he also pointed out that they are working with the government of Rwanda and the airline company RwanAir to reduce the costs of reaching Kigali.

UCI's intention with this world championship is clear: "We want to have more races in Africa to help these athletes increase their capabilities, otherwise, they will always have to go to Europe. In this case, it will always be a limited number, so if we have more races, we will have more athletes, so it will continue to grow in Africa. I really see a bright future in Africa".