A Day of Pride in Kigali: Rwanda’s First Family Attends Historic UCI World Championships
It was a day that will go down in history for Rwanda, for Africa, and for the world of cycling. The streets of Kigali came alive with an atmosphere so vibrant, so full of joy, and so united in pride that it felt less like a sporting event and more like a festival of humanity. On this remarkable day, Rwanda welcomed the world to its capital as it hosted the final of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships , marking the very first time the prestigious event was held on African soil.And what a finale it was.
The Presence of the First Family
The day carried extra significance as the First Family of Rwanda graced the event, underscoring its importance not just as a sporting competition but as a cultural and national milestone.
President Paul Kagame, a leader known for his deep commitment to sports as a vehicle for unity and development, attended alongside the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame , and members of the Kagame family, including Ange Kagame and Ian Kagame. Their presence symbolized the pride of a nation hosting a global first and celebrated Rwanda’s transformation into a hub of international events.
As the elite cyclists battled through the grueling 267.5-kilometer course, the First Family joined tens of thousands of Rwandans and visitors who lined the city’s hilly streets. Among the crowd, the joyous energy was palpable — a mixture of national pride, admiration for the athletes, and the thrill of being part of history.
Ganza, the Gorilla Ambassador
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere was Ganza, one of Rwanda’s beloved gorillas. Known for bringing smiles to people from across the world, Ganza represents Rwanda’s unique identity: a country that balances modern progress with a deep respect for its natural heritage. Gorillas are not only a source of national pride but also an emblem of conservation success and a reminder of Rwanda’s role as a guardian of one of the world’s rarest species.
Seeing Ganza welcomed and celebrated by His Excellency President Kagame and the First Lady was a heartwarming moment that blended sport, culture, and nature in a uniquely Rwandan way. It was a reminder that Rwanda’s story is bigger than cycling — it is about a people and a land that have risen with resilience, unity, and vision.
The Streets of Kigali: A Living Festival
The city itself was the true stage of the championship. Millions of people filled the streets, balconies, rooftops, and open fields along the route, transforming Kigali into a sea of waving flags, cheering voices, and unstoppable energy.
Children held handmade posters with the names of their favorite riders. Street vendors sold everything from grilled maize to miniature cycling jerseys. Drummers and traditional dancers performed at key corners of the city, blending Rwandan cultural heritage with the rhythm of an international sporting spectacle.
For many Rwandans, it was not only about cycling. It was about being seen. It was about telling the world that Rwanda is capable of hosting global events with warmth, precision, and grandeur.
As one young spectator shouted, waving a Rwandan flag, “This is our time! Africa’s time!”
The Race: A True Test of Champions
The course itself was as dramatic as the atmosphere. Covering 267.5 kilometers and featuring a brutal 5,400 meters of elevation, the Kigali edition of the UCI Road World Championships was one of the toughest in history. The city’s steep hills, winding roads, and unpredictable weather provided a stage that tested endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower.
The riders gave everything they had. Fans held their breath as Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar powered up the final climbs with his trademark determination. Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, a powerhouse of grit and tactical brilliance, fought hard to claim silver, while Ireland’s rising star Ben Healy stunned the field by securing bronze.
When Pogačar crossed the finish line to claim the gold medal, Kigali erupted. Cheers, drums, and vuvuzelas filled the air as Rwandans celebrated a champion — not just for his victory but for the fact that he had made history in their city, on their soil
President Kagame Awards the Medal
In one of the day’s most powerful moments, President Paul Kagame personally awarded the gold medal to Tadej Pogačar. The gesture symbolized Rwanda’s place on the world stage: not only as a host but as an active participant
Why This Matters for Rwanda and Africa
This championship was not just about cycling. It was about representation, identity, and opportunity.
For Rwanda, hosting the UCI World Championships was the culmination of years of investment in infrastructure, tourism, and sports. The event was a chance to showcase Kigali’s transformation into one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most organized cities.
For Africa, it was a long-overdue recognition. Despite the continent’s love of cycling and the talent of its riders, the UCI Road World Championships had never been held in Africa before 2025. By hosting a flawless and unforgettable edition, Rwanda has opened the door for more global sporting events to come to African nations.
The symbolism was not lost on the fans. As one elderly man in the crowd put it, “I never thought I would live to see this. Rwanda has shown the world that Africa is ready.”
The fusion of cycling with Rwandan culture made this event even more special. Traditional drummers welcomed cyclists at checkpoints, while dancers dressed in imishanana (traditional attire) performed at the fan zones. Local artists painted murals celebrating cycling legends, and schoolchildren learned chants in English, French, and Kinyarwanda to cheer for the riders.
This blending of sport and culture created a unique identity for the championship — one that could only have happened in Rwanda. It was not just a cycling race. It was a story about people, resilience, and celebration.
Legacy Beyond the Finish Line
The impact of the championship will extend far beyond the medals awarded.
Inspiration for Youth: Rwandan children who watched the race are now dreaming of becoming cyclists themselves. Cycling academies across the country are expected to see a surge in interest.
Economic Boost: Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses thrived during the event, bringing in international visitors and strengthening Rwanda’s tourism sector.
Global Recognition: The success of #Kigali2025 proved that Africa can host events of the highest caliber, challenging stereotypes and expanding opportunities for future bids.
Environmental Awareness: With Ganza and the gorilla conservation story woven into the event, Rwanda reminded the world of the importance of balancing progress with sustainability.
A Day That Belongs to Everyone
At the end of the day, Kigali belonged not only to the cyclists or the dignitaries but to the people. From children in bright yellow jerseys to elders waving flags from their porches, every Rwandan was part of the story.
The UCI Road World Championships may have been about crowning the best cyclists in the world, but in many ways, the real winners were the millions of people who lined the streets, the country that proved its capability, and the continent that finally hosted this historic event.
As night fell and the city lights illuminated Kigali’s hills, one could still hear distant cheers and songs drifting through the air. The world had come to Rwanda, and Rwanda had delivered.
This was more than a race. This was Kigali’s moment. Africa’s moment. And it will be remembered for generations.
