Excitement is in the air as Rwanda readies itself for the world’s biggest cycling tournament, with Volkswagen taking center stage in logistics. The company confirmed that its fleet is fully prepared to ensure the smooth running of the championship, which is already transforming the rhythm of Kigali.
“Everything’s in place. Every engine ready,” Volkswagen declared.
Volkswagen Rwanda CEO Serge Kamuhinda described the sheer complexity of the task, saying the Union Cycliste Internationale UCI required 114 cars, including 70 identical vehicles built to strict specifications.
“So you understand that it was practically impossible to get those cars from already existing users,” he noted.
The fleet consists of the Volkswagen T-Cross, a compact SUV praised for its agility, fuel efficiency, and versatility.
Designed with advanced safety features and smart technology, the T-Cross is well-suited for Kigali’s mix of hilly streets and modern highways.
The build-up to the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. Kigali’s streets are abuzz with anticipation: cyclists seen training in groups, restaurants introducing “tour menus,” and residents debating which routes will offer the best vantage points.
In popular hangouts like Car-Free Zone, excitement has become part of daily conversation, with locals and visitors comparing predictions for race day.
Preparation has been sophisticated and thorough, beginning months in advance.
Government agencies, security services, and health facilities are all on alert. Temporary mini-lockdowns in some city zones will be imposed to allow for smooth and safe racing, while volunteers are being deployed across the capital to guide spectators.
The city is also showing off its hospitality in pomp and style. Hotels are fully booked, music events are being lined up to entertain fans after the races, and Kigali’s usually calm evenings now echo with the sound of rehearsals, parades, and spontaneous gatherings.
Observers say the pomp reflects Rwanda’s growing confidence in hosting world-class sporting events. “This isn’t just about cycling—it’s about Rwanda showing the world who we are,” one Kigali resident said.
