Rwanda cycling federation “FERWACY” has appointed French company A.S.O. and Belgian company Golazo as event delivery partners to support the Rwanda local organising committee to stage the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
The three parties signed an agreement on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at the Ministry of Sports’ headquarters in Kigali.
Cycling is on the rise on the African continent, both in terms of elite riders and amateurs, with the sport becoming increasingly popular with the continent’s youth.
And, for the first time in the 103-year history of the UCI Road World Championships, the 2025 contest will be held in Africa.
From 21 to 28 September 2025, the battle for the rainbow jerseys will be fought in and around clean and green capital city of Rwanda, Kigali.
The championships will come to Kigali following a hosting agreement that was signed between the Government of Rwanda and Union Cyliste Internationale (UCI) in 2021 to stage this prestigious event in the country of thousand hills.
After signing the agreement on Tuesday, Samson Ndayishimiye, the President of FERWACY commented “we are so excited and happy for this historical moment not only for our Country but also for our continent and we are ready to work with A.S.O. & Golazo and deliver on these championships.”
Reacting to the partnership, Yann Le Moenner, CEO A.S.O. said that, “It is a big step for cycling to organize the first ever world championships on the African continent, and it is truly an honor for A.S.O. to have been selected alongside Golazo to support the Ministry of Sports and the Cycling Federation in this ambitious project.”
He added that Kigali is definitely the right place to host such a breakthrough event as the people have a true passion for cycling, and the hilly city could offer one of the most challenging grounds for a cycling race. “We are really excited to be able to bring our expertise to such a promising event”.
For a period of eight (8) days, Kigali 2025 UCI Road World Championships will feature men and women competing in both time trials and road races across 6 categories: elite men, elite women, men under 23, women under 23, men junior and women junior.
Around 20,000 international visitors will be expected in Kigali to enjoy this historic sport event.
Speaking about the partnership, Bob Verbeeck, CEO of Golazo Group said that, “We are honoured to help co-organise this memorable sporting moment for Africa. We have been active in East Africa for more than 10 years.”
“In recent years, our operations in Kenya have gained momentum. This is another big step in developing our foothold in Africa. Golazo will open an second office in Kigali, Rwanda, in addition to its current office in Nairobi (Kenya).”
Zephanie Niyonkuru, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports, who chairs the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) said that Rwanda targets to become a continental hub for sports, staging 2025 UCI Road World Championships will boost cycling development activities in the country, provide employment to our people and business to the private sector companies hence increasing the contribution sports is having in our economy.
