For the first time in history, the UCI Road World Championships will be held in Africa, with Rwanda set to welcome the world’s best cyclists to Kigali from 21–28 September 2025.
The annual competition, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), brings together riders representing their countries to compete for the coveted rainbow jerseys in road races, time trials, and team events.
This edition will feature 13 events, including individual time trials, road races for elite, U23, and junior categories, and the popular mixed team relay. Notably, the 2025 championships will also debut a standalone U23 Women’s Road Race, a move that boosts visibility for young women in cycling.
Kigali’s terrain will provide one of the toughest challenges in the event’s history. Sitting at nearly 1,850 meters above sea level, the Rwandan capital offers steep climbs and high altitude that will test every competitor’s endurance. The elite men’s road race, for instance, is set at 267.5 km with more than 5,400 meters of climbing.
Beyond the competition, the event carries symbolic weight. Hosting the championships places Rwanda and Africa at the heart of global cycling for the first time, showcasing the country’s passion for the sport, boosting tourism, and inspiring a new generation of African riders.
As the countdown begins, Kigali is preparing to deliver a world-class event that blends athletic excellence with Rwanda’s rich culture and warm hospitality.