It is the first time that the World Championships are being hosted on the African continent, specifically in Rwanda's capital, Kigali.
Most national teams are already in Rwanda, having traveled with RwandAir. On September 18, 2025, a group of Belgian men and women departed from Zaventem Airport in Brussels told IGIHE that they were eager to reach Kigali to begin mountain biking tours and also follow the global cycling competition.
Faeza Bladj, who traveled from northern Belgium where Flemish is spoken, said:
'This is my first time going to Africa. I'm very excited to arrive in Kigali, to witness the Road World Championships together with my friends. I believe RwandAir, which has welcomed us well, will take us there with the same great service.'
Martine Hofstede, visiting Rwanda for the second time, explained that she returned with a new group of companions who wanted to experience the country's beauty.
'This is my second visit to Rwanda. I came with a different group than the first time. They were eager to see the beauty of this country that I have grown to love. We are happy to attend the World Championships and to also visit places we planned to tour,' she said.
Olivier Karangwa, RwandAir's Station Manager at Brussels Airport, said flying with RwandAir to Africa was like fulfilling a dream.
'We are proud that as Rwanda's national airline we are among those transporting teams and their equipment to the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali 2025. Today alone we have welcomed more than 40 passengers, including men, women, and even families with children. It shows how much these Championships attract entire households,' he noted.
Karangwa added that beyond the competition, some visitors also came for cycling tourism and will watch the races live.
'This is a big gain for Rwanda in terms of tourism and the Visit Rwanda campaign. All of these guests will become ambassadors for the country after enjoying our hospitality, which started right here on our flight.'
Karangwa said the airline had deployed an Airbus A330-300, a modern and spacious aircraft with three-class configuration that can carry 274 passengers.
The UCI Road World Championships is an annual event, with this year marking its 98th edition since 1921.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the individual time trials for both men and women will be contested. Afghan rider Yulduz Hashimi will be the first to set off in the women's race at 10:10 a.m.
Race routes have already been prepared with clear road signage and safety equipment to protect fans and riders.
Cyclists from 110 countries have arrived in Kigali early, touring the city's roads and holding training sessions in preparation for what promises to be a historic week of racing in Africa.
Karirima Aimable Ngarambe
