President Paul Kagame, alongside Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) President David Lappartient, officially flagged off the 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda (#TdRwanda2025) today. This year’s race is particularly significant as it precedes the highly anticipated 2025 UCI Road World Championships, which will make history as the first World Championship to be held in Africa in 125 years.
The Tour du Rwanda has grown into a premier international cycling event, attracting elite riders and teams from around the world. UCI, which represents 201 national cycling federations, continues to support Rwanda’s emergence as a global cycling hub.
Following the prologue stage at Amahoro Stadium (4.1 km), RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika and Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire awarded the Yellow Jersey to Aldo Taillieu of the Lotto Development Team after his winning performance.
Prologue Stage Results:
1. Aldo Taillieu (Lotto Development Team) – 3:48
2. Fabien Doubey (Total Energies) – +0:02
3. Milán Menten (Lotto Development Team)
4. Juan Guillermo Martínez (Picnic PostNL) – +0:24
UCI President David Lappartient highlighted the continued investment in Rwandan cycling, announcing the opening of the UCI World Cycling Center (WCC) Regional Satellite training hubs in Musanze, Bugesera, and Rwamagana. These centers will provide top-level training for local riders and further strengthen Rwanda’s position in the global cycling community.
“Honored to witness such a special moment for cycling in Rwanda. The UCI WCC Regional Satellite is now open in Musanze, Bugesera, and Rwamagana, bringing top-level training to local riders. An important step as we build towards the first-ever 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Africa,” said Lappartient.
With Tour du Rwanda 2025 underway and world-class training facilities now available, Rwanda continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in African cycling, paving the way for an unforgettable UCI Road World Championships in 2025.
