{"id":200515,"date":"2025-08-26T15:19:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T15:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=200515"},"modified":"2025-08-26T15:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T15:19:06","slug":"worlds-in-rwanda-why-it-matters-for-cycling-by-katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2025\/08\/26\/worlds-in-rwanda-why-it-matters-for-cycling-by-katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney\/","title":{"rendered":"Worlds in Rwanda: Why It Matters for Cycling by Katarzyna Niewiadoma Phinney\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first heard that Rwanda would host the 2025 World Championships, I was definitely surprised\u2014but in a good way! I\u2019ve often heard from male friends who have raced the Tour du Rwanda about the insane crowds, the warm and friendly people, the mesmerising nature, and the great roads. All of that gave me an instinctive feeling that Rwanda already knows and loves cycling.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

If we, as riders and teams, can bring what we usually do in Europe and inspire even more people there to hop on bikes, then that\u2019s a huge win. I\u2019ve always wished that racing didn\u2019t revolve so much around being based in Europe\u2014France,<\/a> Italy, Belgium\u2014but that it would grow to include significant events in places like Africa and the Americas as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

What it means for cycling in Africa<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a really big deal. A World Championship<\/a> brings massive media attention, and for Rwanda, it will be a huge promotional opportunity\u2014opening eyes for many people seeking new cycling adventures.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know there can be some prejudice about riding bikes in Africa, with worries about safety or chaotic roads. But honestly, until you experience it yourself, you can\u2019t really know. I hope this race will change some of those assumptions and show people the reality: that Rwanda can host a world-class event. The organisers have an enormous task ahead of them, and I feel grateful just to be part of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Growing cycling culture<\/b><\/h2>\n

Watching a bike race on TV is one thing, but seeing it in person leaves a completely different impression. The speed, the sound of wheels cutting through the air, the shifting, the rush of 150 riders passing in a blur\u2014it makes your heart race. That\u2019s often how people fall in love with cycling: through close, direct contact with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope that\u2019s what people in Rwanda will experience during the Worlds. Maybe it will spark them to pick up cycling or just ride more in general. I also hope bike brands will recognise the importance of this moment and increase their support for cycling infrastructure and equipment in African countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discovering a new place<\/b><\/h2>\n

I\u2019ve never been to Africa before, so that makes this experience even more exciting for me. I don\u2019t have any expectations; I just want to immerse myself fully in Rwanda\u2019s culture and traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, as athletes, we\u2019ll be there first and foremost to race for a World Champion title, so we can\u2019t explore as freely as a tourist might. However, there\u2019s still space to enjoy local food, take in the scenery, and experience the atmosphere of roads that are completely new to me. Those small things really enrich a trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Racing in Rwanda<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The race will take place at a higher altitude than most events in Europe, which is already a considerable challenge. Many athletes prepare for competition by training in mountainous areas or using altitude tents. Add in a tropical climate, and it\u2019s even tougher.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always easy to predict how the body will react to those conditions, but thankfully, with the technology we have now, we can prepare for many of the uncontrollable factors. Since the race is in Kigali, the capital, I expect it will feel quite stuffy and humid\u2014definitely not an easy environment for racing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the course profile, it will suit climbers and classics riders. The climbs aren\u2019t super long or steep, but they come one after another with little recovery time. It\u2019s going to be a real elimination race.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why expanding matters<\/b><\/h2>\n

I think it\u2019s so crucial for cycling to expand beyond its European centre. The more people see it, the more they\u2019ll want to try it. Imagine if cycling became as widespread as football, where kids just grab a ball and play. Why not grab a bike instead?<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why I see Rwanda 2025 as more than just another World Championships. It\u2019s a chance to inspire the next generation of African riders, especially women. I\u2019ve been wondering how many women\u2019s races are happening in Rwanda, and I think showcasing our racing style, strength, and resilience could really plant seeds of inspiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

What I\u2019m most looking forward to<\/b><\/h2>\n

I love discovering different cultures, meeting new people, hearing their stories, and observing how life is organised in other places. What\u2019s important to them? What values shape their daily lives?<\/span><\/p>\n

And then, of course, there\u2019s the joy of riding my bike in a climate I\u2019ve never experienced before. I still remember being in Rio for the Olympics and riding through the rainforest\u2014such a remarkable and unique experience. Rwanda has that same potential to leave me with unforgettable memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

I really hope this Championship will also set a precedent for more major races to move beyond traditional European hubs. Whether that actually happens is out of my control, but I\u2019d love to see it. For now, I\u2019m just excited to be part of this historic moment for cycling.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When I first heard that Rwanda would host the 2025 World Championships, I was definitely surprised\u2014but in a good way! […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":190744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[329],"tags":[8504,8653,8652],"global-categories":[3366],"class_list":["post-200515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-road-cycling","tag-2025-uci-road-world-championships-rwanda","tag-2025-world-championships-in-rwanda","tag-katarzyna-niewiadoma-phinney","global-categories-cycling"],"yoast_head":"\nWorlds in Rwanda: Why It Matters for Cycling by Katarzyna Niewiadoma Phinney\u00a0 - \u0160koda We Love Cycling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When I first heard that Rwanda would host the 2025 World Championships, I was definitely surprised\u2014but in a good way! 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