The Head Coach of Rwanda’s National Cycling Team, Félix Sempoma, says the 2025 UCI Road World Championships could be historic—not only because it will be the first time the event is hosted in Africa, but also because it could mark the first time a Rwandan rider finishes the elite men’s race.
The 98th edition of the World Championships will take place in Kigali from September 21 to 28, 2025, bringing together riders from over 100 countries.
Rwanda will field 23 cyclists, who are currently finalizing their training camp in Bugesera District, just five days before the competition begins.
Coach Sempoma says preparations have gone well, with the team having trained in Musanze, France, and Bugesera to meet all performance goals. This time, he adds, there is renewed hope: “In the past World Championships, we went with only two or three riders, often preparing abroad. We always had hope but ended up not finishing. Now we are at home, in front of our fans. I know the World Championships are never easy, and cycling doesn’t reward you just because you are racing at home, but the difference is clear.”
Addressing the fact that no Rwandan has ever completed the elite men’s race, Sempoma believes 2025 is the year history can be made: “What I can assure Rwandans is that our riders are well prepared, their morale is high, they have the talent, and with support from the Ministry, we now have modern equipment. We will give everything to make sure this year is remembered.”
“History is already being made with the World Championships coming to Rwanda—the first time in Africa. But more history can be written if a Rwandan performs well in different categories.” According to Valentin Bigango, First Vice-President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), general preparations are almost complete, and the national team has received everything they needed. “Preparations are at an advanced stage. Together with our partners, we’re finalizing the last details—about 96% of the work is done. The national team got the support we had planned, and now they are fully focused on the competition.”
Riders Confident Ahead of Kigali Showpiece
Patrick Byukusenge, one of Rwanda’s most experienced riders with multiple international races under his belt, says the team is ready to race at the highest level.
Reflecting on the challenge that no Rwandan has ever finished the elite men’s race, Byukusenge believes racing in Kigali could inspire change: “It will make a big difference because this is the first World Championships in Africa, and for us Rwandans, it’s special. We know the circuit well—we’ve raced on it before, even if not too many times. Our goal is to fight, and I know millions of Rwandans will be watching us.”
He also downplayed concerns about the 267.5 km distance of the elite men’s race: “That won’t be a problem—we already train close to 300 km in practice.”
Xaverine Nirere, who has impressed in several international races this year and will be making her third World Championships appearance, will race in the elite women’s category alongside three other Rwandans. “This is different from the 2023 and 2024 editions. Here, we’ll start and finish on the same Kigali circuit, the place we train every day. That gives me confidence—we can perform well and even win.”
For Pacifique Byusa, the youngest on the team and competing in the under-19 category, this will be his first major international race: “It’s my first big challenge at world level. I’ll be racing against very strong riders, but my training has been solid, I’ve followed my coaches’ program, and I believe I’ll do well.”
His teammate Liliane Uwiringiyimana, also in the junior women’s category, echoed his determination: “We will give it our all, push ourselves to the limit, and make sure we finish the World Championships.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
