Kigali has been awarded the prestigious “UCI Bike City” label in recognition of its successful hosting of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the first time the global cycling showpiece was staged on African soil.
The accolade was announced on Saturday, February 14, 2026, by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling’s global governing body.
Held from September 21 to 28, 2025, the championships marked a defining moment not only for Rwanda but for the entire continent, signaling Africa’s growing capacity to host world-class sporting events.
The “UCI Bike City” label is awarded to cities and regions that demonstrate excellence in organizing major international cycling competitions while actively promoting cycling development and sustainable mobility.
A milestone for Rwanda and Africa
The seamless organization of the championships in Kigali highlighted Rwanda’s rapid rise in international cycling and cemented its reputation as an emerging global sports destination.
UCI President David Lappartient said Kigali’s hosting of the event would leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Africa.
“By hosting this championship for the first time in Africa, the City of Kigali has made a permanent mark on the history of cycling,” he said, noting that the event helped shape the future of the sport on the continent.
Boost to Rwanda’s sports ambition
Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire welcomed the recognition, describing it as a testament to Rwanda’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.
“The ‘UCI Bike City’ label reflects Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for sports and entertainment, including competitive cycling,” she said.
She emphasized that the country will continue strengthening infrastructure and nurturing cycling talent from grassroots level to elite competitions such as Tour du Rwanda, one of Africa’s most prominent cycling events.
“We remain committed to expanding opportunities for athletes and attracting more international competitions,” she added.
Commitment to sustainable mobility
Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva described the award as recognition of the city’s broader vision to integrate sport with sustainable urban mobility.
“We are proud to receive the ‘UCI Bike City’ label. It affirms our commitment to building a city that promotes cycling, sustainable transport and improved quality of life,” he said.
He noted that Kigali will continue investing in cycling-friendly infrastructure to support both professional sport and everyday commuting.
The label will be formally presented at the “UCI Mobility & Bike City” conference set for May 10–11, 2026, in Athens, Greece.
Kigali becomes the 31st city worldwide to receive the distinction and the first in Africa. Rwanda, at the national level, is now the 17th country globally to earn the recognition — also the first on the continent — reinforcing its growing stature in global cycling.
