Rwanda has a rich tradition of cycling with the tour of Rwanda to take place since 1988, but the African nation can lose world cycling championships 2025 organizing rights over Europe. The 2025 cyclist world championships are expected to take place in September in Rwanda.
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The African Nation of Rwanda could lose accommodation rights for the 2025 cycling world championships which are scheduled for September. The concerns concerning the 2025 cycling world championships in Rwanda have increased since the climbing of the conflict with the Democratic Republic near Congo
Rwanda has a long tradition of bicycle and the eight -day tour of Rwanda has been challenged on its exhausting race of hilly lands since 1988. This year’s edition begins on February 23.
However, Rwandan troops are currently growing in the eastern DRC rich in minerals, although the government denies that it supports M23 rebels in the region.
The neighboring Burundi would have sent 10,000 soldiers to help the DRC army because the conflict may drag other parts in the fray.
No plan to move world bicycle championships to Europe
These developments are monitored by the International Cycling Union and the Rwandan sports authorities.
“It is not yet planned to change the world bicycle championships in Switzerland,” said the UCI in response to Belgian press reports that suggested that the 2025 worlds would have passed in Martigny in Switzerland.
The Rwandan authorities insist that the country is sure to visit, with officials wishing to promote sport in a country where thirty years ago, 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis, were victims of genocide, according to figures from the UN.
UCI president David Lappartient should go to Rwanda “at the end of the month at the Rwanda tour and for various events, including the inauguration of the UCI World Cycling Center satellite”.
“Rwanda is sure for cyclists and visitors. The race will take place and the route remains the same, “said government spokesman Yolande Makolo this week.
“The preparations are continuing for the world championship. It is a city race and has always been planned for Kigali. »»
The capital of Rwanda Kigali is 275 kilometers (170 miles) from the Congolese border.
But the tour of Rwanda bypasses the border, which prompted the fast star team to withdraw and fear that the Belgian national team withdraws from the worlds.
“A arrival on stage and a start of the scene near a risk area, and the team hotel in this region worried us,” said team director Jurgen Fore in reference to floors three and Four, where the city of Rubavu is 15 km from Goma in eastern Congo.
“It’s worrying, and at the end of the day, we decided not to send 20 employees to an area where their safety is not 100%guaranteed.”
Fore said that Quick-Step, whose team presents the double Olympic champion Remco Ovenepoel, had requested a change of route before retiring.
“There will be no change in road,” said the organizers. “Life continues and runners, fans and teams can be assured of their safety.”
The French team Total Energies and the Israel PT team are both determined to be on the starting line.
The director of Total Energies, Jean-Rene Bernaudeau, said that people should not be too fast to make a judgment on the conditions in the country.
“I trust the strength of the Rwandan army. These days, they speak more of invading others than being invaded themselves. I have no reason to worry, “he told AFP.
Rwanda faces questions about budget and health
Beyond security, the holding of worlds in Rwanda also raises budgetary issues.
Denmark and the Netherlands have already decided to send maximum squads due to the high cost of flights and accommodation.
Other federations also question health and climatic conditions.
“Kigali is not very hot. We are at an altitude of 1,600 meters. If we drink bottled water, if we eat at the hotel, there is no risk. I don’t even understand how we can judge without going, ”said Bernaudeau.
With agency entries
