The 98th edition of the World Championships will take place in Kigali from September 21 to 28, 2025, bringing together cyclists from more than 100 countries.
A total of 23 riders will represent Rwanda. They are currently finalizing their preparations in Bugesera District, with just five days left before the competition begins.
Coach Sempoma noted that the team's preparations have been strong, having trained in Musanze, France, and Bugesera to meet different performance goals.
He expressed confidence, even though previous appearances at the championships ended without a Rwandan completing the elite men's race.
'In past World Championships, we would often have only two or three riders, and we would prepare abroad. We always had hope that we could finish, but it never happened,' he said.
On the long-standing challenge that no Rwandan has ever completed the elite men's race, Sempoma said that 2025 could be a turning point: 'This is a historic year, and it is possible to see Rwandan riders perform well in different categories.'
'What I can assure Rwandans is that our riders have trained well. Their morale is high, they have the ability, and the Ministry has supported us with everything we need, including modern equipment. We will do everything possible to make sure this year becomes historic,' he added.
'History is already being made with the World Championships coming to Rwanda, and for the first time to Africa. But another chapter could be written if a Rwandan rider performs strongly in the various races.'
First Vice President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Valentin Bigango, confirmed that preparations are nearly complete and that the national team has received all the necessary support.
'Preparations are advancing well. Together with our partners, we are putting final touches on different aspects of the World Championships. We are at about 96 percent readiness.
"The training program we had designed for the national team has been completed successfully, and at this stage the riders are focused on the competition itself, exactly where we want them to be,' he said.
Riders confident ahead of the World Championships
Patrick Byukusenge, one of Rwanda's most experienced cyclists who has competed in numerous major international races, expressed confidence that the team is well prepared, to the point that they could even compete again the following day if necessary.
On the long-standing challenge that no Rwandan has ever completed the elite men's race, Byukusenge said that racing in Kigali could bring a breakthrough: 'This will make a difference, because the World Championships are being held in Africa for the first time. I feel this will change something for us as Rwandans. This circuit is not new to us; while we haven't raced it many times, we have competed on it often enough. Our goal is to fight hard, and I know that millions of Rwandans will have their eyes on us.'
He further stressed that the 267.5-kilometre distance of the final race will not be a problem as the team is already accustomed to covering up to 300 kilometres in training sessions.
Xaverine Nirere, who has performed strongly in many races this year and will be one of four elite women representing Rwanda, is preparing for her third appearance at the World Championships.
She explained: 'This Championship is different from the ones I took part in during 2023 and 2024, because this time we will start with a circuit and finish with a circuit. Being here at home, training daily on these roads, I believe we will perform well and could even win.'
Meanwhile, Pacifique Byusa, competing in the under-19 category, will be making his debut at an international race.
'This is my first major race at the international level. I will be competing against riders who are on a higher level than me. But I am well prepared, I followed my coaches' program carefully, and I believe I will perform well,' he said.
His teammate, Liliane Uwiringiyimana, also set to compete in the women's under-19 category, added: 'We will give everything we have and do our best to ensure we finish the World Championships.'
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/rwanda-pins-its-hopes-on-national-cycling-team-ahead-of-uci-race
