The cycling world is preparing for a historic moment as Rwanda becomes the first African nation to host the Road World Championships. What should be a celebration for the sport and the continent is instead overshadowed by controversy, political debate, and lingering disputes from the recently concluded Vuelta a España.
The Vuelta was marred by mass pro-Palestinian protests targeting the Israel-Premier Tech team, raising questions about the relationship between sport, politics, and global conflicts. Demonstrations disrupted the race, while the closing ceremony was reduced to a low-key celebration in a hotel car park. The fallout has spilled into the world championships, with some teams and host cities threatening to boycott races involving Israel-Premier Tech in the future.
Tensions have been further heightened by Rwanda’s political landscape. While the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) describes the Kigali championships as a symbol of hope and progress more than three decades after the 1994 genocide, human rights organizations continue to highlight the country’s record of repression, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Critics argue that awarding Rwanda hosting rights amounts to sportswashing, providing a global showcase while silencing discussions about governance and democracy.
The UCI finds itself caught between promoting cycling’s growth in new regions and facing the ethical challenges of choosing politically sensitive venues. Calls have been made for sanctions against teams whose presence sparks unrest, echoing the 2022 ban on the Russian-registered Gazprom-RusVelo team after the invasion of Ukraine. However, Israel-Premier Tech’s situation is complicated, as the team is not officially in the World Tour tier, creating uncertainty about possible disciplinary action.
Amid this turbulence, the racing itself promises to deliver compelling battles. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, fresh from defending his Tour de France crown, enters as the favorite to retain his world champion’s jersey. He will face stiff competition from Tom Pidcock, who impressed with a podium finish at the Vuelta and will lead Britain’s men’s road race squad alongside Oscar Onley. Rising British star Cat Ferguson, already a double junior world champion, is among the favorites for the under-23 women’s race and could secure a coveted rainbow jersey.
Across seven days of racing and thirteen world titles, Rwanda 2025 could be remembered for sporting triumphs. Yet the shadow of political disputes, human rights concerns, and ongoing protests ensures the championships will be as much about global debate as they are about cycling.
