The UCI Road World Championships marked a historic milestone in 2025 when they were held on the African continent for the first time.
But the impact of the event organised in Kigali, Rwanda, goes well beyond the eight days of competition that enraptured athletes and fans alike. For the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and its development arm, the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC), the award of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to Kigali was a catalyst for a long-term development strategy aimed at strengthening the foundations of the sport in Rwanda, and across the region. Over the past three years, the UCI WCC and the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY) have worked closely to turn their shared vision into reality, delivering transformative progress that will endure well beyond the event itself.
UCI WCC Director Jacques Landry said: "The 2025 UCI Road World Championships were never just about hosting an event – they were about building a legacy. Together with FERWACY, we’ve laid strong foundations for the sustainable growth of the sport, and while our role is evolving, our commitment to Rwanda and African cycling remains unwavering.”
Youth development, coach education and technical progress
From the outset, the programme focused on building sustainable structures. A Youth Commission was established to create clear pathways for young riders, ensuring that talent development remains central to Rwanda’s cycling ambitions. In May 2023, FERWACY launched the Youth Racing Cup, an innovative platform aimed at identifying talent and fostering competitive development. Alongside this, Rwanda successfully staged two editions of the Junior Tour in just two years, providing young riders with invaluable racing experience and firmly establishing the country as a hub for youth cycling in Africa.
In parallel with rider development, numerous coaches – both Level 2 and 3 – were trained to equip local coaches with the expertise necessary to nurture future champions.
Technical innovation was another cornerstone of the partnership between the FERWACY and UCI WCC. The acquisition of a high-level timing system, along with the training of three operators, has brought world-class precision to race organisation. Race radios were also introduced across all national races, providing professional communication systems for Commissaires and organisers, while enhancing safety and efficiency.
Beyond sporting and technical achievements, the collaboration brought significant financial and operational support to the region. Strategic marketing efforts attracted $70,000 USD in sponsorship dedicated to development activities while investments in equipment, such as a projector for educational sessions, strengthened the Federation’s operational capacity, as did the certification of a UCI Level 3-certified mechanic.
UCI WCC Satellite to push future development
This journey has also paved the way for another important milestone: the designation of Rwanda as a UCI WCC Regional Development Satellite. Joining the global network of Satellites, the Rwanda facility operates across three strategic locations: Rwamagana, Bugesera, and Musanze. It is envisaged that the benefits of this programme will ripple beyond Rwanda’s borders and foster progress throughout the region, demonstration of the country’s growing influence and commitment to excellence in cycling.
Africa’s growing presence on the international stage was demonstrated at the UCI Road Worlds in Kigali, where athletes from 36 African countries – including Rwanda – accounted for 33.64% of all participants.
As the direct support provided by Simon Hupperetz – the Rwanda Development Project Lead appointed by the UCI WCC to guide FERWACY through this period of developmental change – comes to a close, the UCI and its World Cycling Centre reaffirm their commitment to Rwanda’s cycling ambitions. Future collaboration will concentrate on empowering the Federation to execute its own growth strategies and sustain the momentum that has been built up over these past three years. The UCI WCC is confident that FERWACY’s dedicated and professional team will continue to drive progress, expanding the sport’s reach within Rwanda and inspiring development across the region.
Rwanda Development Project Lead Simon Hupperetz said: “This project has been incredibly rewarding. Working alongside FERWACY’s dedicated and professional staff, and seeing their growth and commitment firsthand, gives me confidence in the bright future of cycling in Rwanda.”
FERWACY President Samson Ndayishimiye added: “Simon’s presence has been a real catalyst, but the real strength lies with our FERWACY team. His guidance helped them grow in capacity and confidence, laying the foundation for continued progress driven by their professionalism and dedication.”
Reflecting on the partnership, UCI President David Lappartient said: “As we continue to reflect on the incredible success of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships – the first to be organised on the African continent – we can also look forward to the event’s continued legacy in Rwanda and beyond. Three years ago, the UCI World Cycling Centre and FERWACY laid the groundwork for cycling development programmes and opportunities in Rwanda, and the results are now clear. By investing early in talent, technology and grassroots cycling initiatives, we are elevating the standard of competition, and strengthening the broader growth of cycling across the region. This is what strategic partnerships are all about – creating lasting impact, together.”