{"id":110627,"date":"2025-09-22T17:31:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T17:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandan-and-foreign-fans-share-views-on-uci-champs"},"modified":"2025-09-22T18:55:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T18:55:06","slug":"rwandan-and-foreign-fans-share-views-on-uci-champs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/rwandan-and-foreign-fans-share-views-on-uci-champs","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan and Foreign Fans Share Views on UCI Champs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>For the first time, Rwanda is hosting the UCI Road World Championships, marking the first time the global cycling event has come to Africa.<\/p>\n

The competition has drawn hundreds of riders and teams, with projections of more than 330 million viewers worldwide. On the opening day was September 21.<\/p>\n

At the fanzone in Kacyiru, people shared their experiences and impressions with The New Times.<\/p>\n

Here is what they said:<\/p>\n

Tyrone Gakuba.<\/b><\/p>\n

I was running (jogging) but I decided to stop and come and see this. I wasn\u2019t expecting such a big crowd, and as soon as I arrived, the best thing happened: (Shemu) Nsengiyumva took the first place. I witnessed it with my own eyes, and it was amazing to see this competition at the highest level of cycling in my own country.<\/p>\n

Linda Wasir, a Rwandan based in Canada (she came to the fan zone).<\/p>\n

I\u2019m very happy because we get to be introduced to another kind of sport that not all of us are familiar with. It\u2019s great to see President Kagame\u2019s vision for the country in terms of sports and entertainment coming to life and pulling us to a greater level than other African countries.<\/p>\n

(Iam) not really (a fan of cycling), but I love anything to do with winning. When you see the community, when you see people together, it\u2019s nice to get involved, visit shops, meet friends.<\/p>\n

Fanan, another Rwandan fan.<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m very excited and proud to be here. Experiencing and witnessing this whole event is a great stage for Africa and Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Samuel, a Rwandan-Eritrean<\/b><\/p>\n

I support both Eritrea and Rwanda, but I\u2019m rooting for one player in particular, Biniam Girmay.<\/p>\n

Emma Rwigema, a Rwandan fan.<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m here for Team Rwanda and especially Shemu (Nsengiyumva). My favourite moment is still to come because this is just the beginning. I\u2019m excited to see the teams compete in the trial races. What stands out so far is the support from everyone.<\/p>\n

This is a big deal for Rwanda and for Africa. To anyone missing out: if you\u2019re at home, you\u2019re missing the energy, the vibe. Come out, network, make friends, and enjoy life.<\/p>\n

Deborah, Rwandan fan <\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m so excited to be here. Seeing a Rwandan coming through was something I felt very proud of. My favourite moment was watching the cyclists come in one by one, with the crowd cheering. It was really exciting. I\u2019ll try to attend every evening during the week, although my work schedule won\u2019t allow me to be here all day.<\/p>\n

David Jambu, Nigerian fan<\/b><\/p>\n

I feel excited because this is the first time ever that the World Championship has been brought to Africa. It\u2019s an experience that cannot be missed. Thank you to the UCI for bringing this, because it gives people a different view of Africa \u2013 the nature, the wind, the roads.<\/p>\n

The roads are top-notch, extremely good asphalt. My favourite moment hasn\u2019t come yet; I\u2019m waiting for one of the elite riders, Pogac\u030car, and I hope he wins. To those missing this event, you are missing something that can never be replaced. It\u2019s one of a kind. Shout out to Rwanda for hosting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vincent, Belgian fan<\/b><\/p>\n

Africa has been underrepresented, so it was time for something this big to happen in Rwanda. So far, so good, but the real excitement will come at the end when the best riders compete.<\/p>\n

Dan Muhire, Rwandan fan<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m rooting for Team Rwanda. I don\u2019t know the riders very well, but I support them wholeheartedly.<\/p>\n\r\n