The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali continued to deliver unforgettable moments, blending history, pride, and world-class performances on the challenging streets of Rwanda’s capital.
From the inaugural Women’s Under-23 Road Race to the fierce battles in the men’s junior and U-23 categories, the city once again showcased its growing stature as a hub of global cycling.
The fifth day of competition broke new ground with the first-ever Women’s U23 Road Race, a 119.3-kilometer test that began and ended at the Kigali Convention Centre. Eighty-two riders from 40 nations lined up for this historic debut, greeted by enthusiastic crowds that packed the roadsides.
The peloton faced the demanding Côte de Kimihurura climb and the relentless Kigali heat, obstacles that soon splintered the field. Several riders dropped out before the halfway mark, leaving just 35 to complete the course.
Though Rwanda’s four representatives, including Charlotte Iragena and Claudette Nyirarukundo, could not finish, their presence marked a symbolic step for women’s cycling in the country.
The race climaxed in dramatic style as France seized control in the closing kilometers. A powerful sprint from a French rider sealed gold, adding another medal to the nation’s tally and etching her name into history as the first champion of this category.
On day 6, local fans were treated to another thrilling spectacle as Rwanda’s Moise Ntirenganya and Samuel Niyonkuru proudly crossed the finish line in their respective events.
Ntirenganya, an 18-year-old from Kayonza District, completed all eight laps of the 119.3km junior men’s race, finishing 66th. Niyonkuru carried the flag in the U-23 men’s category, braving a grueling 164.6km route that tested endurance to the limit.
While Rwanda celebrated its riders’ determination, international competitors turned on the power. England’s Harry Hudson delivered an outstanding performance in the men’s junior race, striking gold in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 19 seconds.
Later, Italy’s Lorenzo Finn, also just 18, stormed to victory in the men’s U-23 race, sealing his gold medal with a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 27 seconds.
With more than 100 nations represented, including a record 36 from Africa, Kigali’s world championship has underscored both the continent’s rising role in cycling and Rwanda’s ability to host events of global scale.
The sight of riders battling on its cobbled climbs and the roar of fans lining the streets have left no doubt that Kigali is not only making history but also shaping the future of world cycling.
