{"id":110086,"date":"2025-09-15T11:01:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T11:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/cycling-legends-reflect-on-kigali-uci-world-championships"},"modified":"2025-09-15T11:27:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T11:27:50","slug":"cycling-legends-reflect-on-kigali-uci-world-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/cycling-legends-reflect-on-kigali-uci-world-championships","title":{"rendered":"Cycling Legends Reflect on Kigali UCI World Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>As Kigali gears up to host the world\u2019s best cyclists from September 21 to 28, the 2025 UCI Road World Championships are set to make history as the first ever held on African soil.<\/p>\n

What started as a humble passion in Rwanda has grown into a powerful movement \u2013 a symbol of resilience, hope, and national pride.<\/p>\n

As global attention turns to Rwanda, excitement is building \u2013 not just among fans, but also among the pioneers and champions, who helped build the sport.<\/p>\n

For them, hosting the UCI is more than just a milestone; it\u2019s a proud moment that shows how far they have come and a sign of hope for the next generation of Rwandan cyclists.<\/p>\n

Sharing their perspectives on this historic moment are Barnabe\u0301 Gahemba, one of the sport\u2019s early pioneers, former national champion Abraham Ruhumuriza, star rider Joseph Areruya, and Lilian Kayirebwa, Second Vice President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY).<\/p>\n

A chance to inspire, invest, and grow<\/b><\/p>\n

Barnabe\u0301 Gahemba, one of the sport\u2019s early pioneers. He was attending an event to welcome Team Rwanda as his son Joseph Areruya won La Tropicale Amissa Bongo 2017. Photo by Sam Ngendahimana<\/p>\n

\u201cHosting the UCI Road World Championships is a big moment for Rwanda,\u201d says Gahemba, father of retired cyclist Joseph Areruya and up-and-coming Team Rwanda rider Barnabe Gahemba. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about what we\u2019ve achieved so far \u2013 it\u2019s about building a future for cycling that the whole country can be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Gahemba, the event is more than a milestone \u2013 it\u2019s a chance to inspire the next generation of pros. He sees cycling as having grown from a grassroots passion into a powerful symbol of Rwanda\u2019s recovery and ambition.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the genocide, we were rebuilding everything from scratch \u2013 our country, and our athletes. Cycling became a sign of hope,\u201d he recalls.<\/p>\n

He stresses that cycling is no longer just a hobby or exercise. \u201cWe need serious support and investment. We must train children to see cycling not just as exercise, but as a real career with medals and purpose,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

He also urges leaders and stakeholders to take full ownership of the sport\u2019s future. \u201cThey\u2019re shaping a generation ready to compete with the best in the world,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Gahemba points out that the foundation for sustained success in cycling begins with nurturing young talent, particularly in rural communities and schools.<\/p>\n

He hopes that hosting the UCI event will encourage Rwanda to embrace cycling as a true source of national pride and development.<\/p>\n

Transforming Rwanda beyond the bike<\/b><\/p>\n

Liliane Kayirebwa, Second Vice President of FERWACY, echoed Gahemba\u2019s sentiments, and highlighted the wider national impact of the upcoming championships.<\/p>\n

\u201cTransformations are happening across the country, especially in Kigali,\u201d she noted. \u201cFrom new alternative roads to upgraded infrastructure, the momentum is undeniable. This isn\u2019t just a sporting event, it\u2019s a national milestone with far-reaching economic and social benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kayirebwa also highlighted a boost in sectors like hospitality, with local businesses gearing up for more visitors and growing interest from investors. \u201cHosting the UCI Road World Championships is really putting Rwanda on the global map,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She added that events like this can contribute to job creation, attract investors, and improve service delivery. \u201cThe UCI event isn\u2019t just about the race,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a chance to move the country forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising through passion and sacrifice<\/b><\/p>\n

Abraham Ruhumuriza (R) and Nathan Byukusenge during Tour du Rwanda 2016. Photo by Sam Ngenda<\/p>\n

National cycling coach and former champion Abraham Ruhumuriza says Rwanda\u2019s rise in cycling comes down to passion, sacrifice, and strong leadership \u2013 not financial backing.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the start, we had no money \u2013 just belief,\u201d Ruhumuriza said. \u201cWe even went to the U.S. to show that Rwanda was serious about cycling.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explained how what started out small has grown into a community that not only develops great athletes and supports young talent but also brings Rwandans together, both at home and abroad.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeam Rwanda brings people together, and cycling is a way for us to share who we are with the world,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

However, he cautioned against the idea that sport is an easy way to get rich. \u201cA lot of young people think it\u2019s a quick path to wealth, but it takes sacrifice. We started with nothing but passion, and that\u2019s what really counts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

With up to 32 countries expected to participate, Ruhumuriza sees the event as an opportunity to showcase Rwanda\u2019s commitment and hospitality.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is our responsibility to warmly welcome athletes and officials and to show the values Rwanda stands for.\u201d<\/p>\n

A star\u2019s vision for a lasting legacy<\/b><\/p>\n

Team Rwanda’s Joseph Areruya during a fanfare reception after winning La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in 2017. Areruya was also elected the African rider of the year in 2017. Photo by Sam Ngendahimana<\/p>\n

Joseph Areruya, one of Rwanda\u2019s top cyclists, is excited and optimistic about Rwanda hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.<\/p>\n

\u201cHosting the UCI is a huge opportunity for our country,\u201d he says, pointing out how the event puts Rwanda on the global cycling stage.<\/p>\n

He believes the championships will inspire young cyclists across the country. \u201cIt shows them that big dreams are possible right here at home,\u201d he explains, emphasising the importance of local role models and international exposure.<\/p>\n

Areruya also stresses that the event should lead to long-term growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t just one race; it\u2019s about creating a lasting legacy for cycling in Rwanda.\u201d He urges ongoing investment in grassroots programmes, and infrastructure to develop talent from an early age.<\/p>\n

For him, the growth of cycling in Rwanda reflects the country\u2019s wider progress and resilience. The UCI event stands as a symbol of that journey, and a catalyst for even greater achievements ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the potential to compete with the best in the world, but it requires commitment from athletes, leaders, and communities alike,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

As Rwanda prepares to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the event is more than a race. It shows how far the country has come.<\/p>\n

With support from the government, pioneers, and champions, cycling has become a unifying force and a symbol of national progress.<\/p>\n\r\n