Kigali Showcases Global Cycling Potential, Says UCI President David Lappartient
Speaking at the Road World Championships, UCI President David Lappartient expressed pride in how the first-ever UCI Road World Championships on African soil have unfolded in Kigali, Rwanda. He emphasized that this moment signals not just success for one country, but a turning point for cycling globally.
President Lappartient noted how the women’s team based at the World Cycling Center is a priority, saying the program will offer female riders the chance to reach world-class levels and serve as role models. To support this, UCI has already opened a satellite centre in Rwanda, hosting its first recruit. He further revealed that their African strategy is ambitious, aiming to establish additional regional hubs possibly one in West Africa to discover and nurture talent locally and then elevate them to the highest levels.
He also addressed the importance of partnering with national federations, recognizing that while desire and leadership are critical, some federations lack sufficient structure. “If you don’t organize properly with the national federations,” President Lappartient warned, “it will not work.”
Answering a question from Rwandan media, he described the experience in Kigali so far as “perfectly organized,” praising not only the competitive setup but also the warmth of the people, the beauty of the courses, and the positive atmosphere. He spoke of seeing the “African spirit” in action and said many international visitors had their expectations exceeded.
President Lappartient confirmed that UCI intends to return to Africa for future World Championships in multiple disciplines — whether road racing, mountain biking, or others — maintaining that many events beyond Europe are absolutely possible. He emphasized the aim of leaving a legacy in Rwanda: more races locally, greater opportunity for cyclists to compete without having to travel abroad constantly, and long-term development plans.
On safety, he reaffirmed UCI’s commitment that no race should take place in an unsafe environment. He acknowledged the right to protest and freedom of expression, but made clear that protecting riders from risk — including protests or other disruptions — is non-negotiable.
Finally, President Lappartient mentioned that UCI will roll out a strategic four-to-five-year plan after these championships, learning both from victories and what still needs improvement. He said realism will be central: “We won’t have hit every target,” he admitted, “but we will deliver.”
By: Florence Uwamaliya
