Cycling found in Rwanda more than a historic stage in 2025: it found a turning point for African sport. The hosting of the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, the first ever held in Africa, was the visible reflection of a deeper process that had been taking shape for years. Beyond the eight days of competition, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), through its UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC), and the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY) had been building a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the sport from its foundations.
Over three years, this collaboration became far more than preparation for a major event. It was about designing a sustainable development model, capable of strengthening local structures, developing people, and positioning Rwanda as a regional reference. As noted by Jacques Landry, Director of the UCI WCC, the goal was never simply to host a World Championships, but to create a legacy that would support Rwandan and African cycling over the long term, even as the WCC’s direct role continues to evolve.
Youth, education, and structures for real growth
At the heart of the project was youth development as the foundation for growth, understood as the cornerstone of any sustainable sporting ambition. The creation of a Youth Commission established clear pathways for young riders, while the launch of the Youth Racing Cup in 2023 created a competitive platform specifically designed to identify talent and support progression. This was reinforced by the organisation of two editions of the Junior Tour in just two years, a clear sign that Rwanda was emerging as a hub for youth cycling in Africa.
This momentum extended beyond the athletes themselves. The training of Level 2 and Level 3 coaches strengthened the ecosystem from within, equipping local coaches with the technical and pedagogical tools needed to guide future generations. In parallel, the partnership addressed the technical professionalisation of competitions, through the introduction of a high-level timing system, the training of specialised operators, and the implementation of race radios across all national events, raising organisational standards and improving safety nationwide.
Technology, institutional support, and regional projection
Beyond the purely sporting dimension, the partnership between the UCI WCC and FERWACY tangibly strengthened the operational and financial capacity of the Rwandan federation. Marketing strategies developed during this period attracted nearly USD 70,000 in development sponsorship, while investments in educational equipment and the certification of a Level 3 UCI mechanic enhanced the organisation’s technical autonomy. Each of these actions reflected a shared vision of institutional sustainability.
This process culminated in a strategic milestone with the designation of Rwanda as a UCI WCC Regional Development Satellite, integrated into the organisation’s global network and operating in Rwamagana, Bugesera, and Musanze. This new status extends the programme’s benefits across the region, reinforcing Rwanda’s role as a driving force in African cycling—a reality already reflected at the Kigali World Championships, where athletes from 36 African countries took part. Following the conclusion of direct support from Simon Hupperetz, the UCI and its World Cycling Centre reaffirm their commitment through a new phase focused on empowering FERWACY to lead its own development and sustain an impact that goes beyond the short term.
