Even the European Parliament intervenes in World Championships in Rwanda, but Lappartient stands firm: "There is no plan B"

The UCI remains committed to hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, despite a call for cancellation from the European Parliament and growing tensions in the region. UCI President David Lappartient reaffirmed this stance while in Rwanda for the ongoing Tour of Rwanda.

The World Championships are set to take place on African soil for the first time, but rising tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are casting a shadow over the event. The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have seized control of the strategically important city of Goma, resulting in thousands of casualties. The EU is now considering halting trade agreements with Rwanda, and canceling the World Championships is also on the table if the situation does not improve.

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Right now, the Tour of Rwanda is ongoing

For Lappartient, his dream of a World Championship in Africa is coming true

The UCI remains firm in its stance that sports and politics should remain separate. David Lappartient believes that sports are a powerful tool for peace and solidarity. He emphasizes the importance of holding the World Championships in Kigali, especially as the UCI celebrates its 125th anniversary. "This was my dream, my goal, when I was elected as UCI president, and I’m proud to say: here we are," Lappartient told Cyclingnews.

The World Championships are also personally significant for the Frenchman. And while there were rumors of a Plan B, the 51-year-old UCI president dismisses them outright. "There is no Plan B for the World Championships in September. It will go ahead because we now have better-structured national federations here. Within the UCI, we also have a clear vision of what we want to do to support them. That’s why the ‘World Cycling Center’ is working closely with these federations. I truly believe we can develop more riders in the future. I see a bright future for cycling in Africa."

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Lappartien with Pogacar and Van der Poel

UCI extends hand to reduce costs

Lappartient remains optimistic, even as cycling federations struggle with the significant logistical challenges of traveling to Rwanda. The UCI president acknowledges that some countries may not be able to participate, but he does not find the costs to be unreasonable. He compares the situation to the recent World Championships in Australia, where many national federations also faced financial hurdles.

Still, he is stepping in to offer support. "We are also working with the Rwandan government to arrange more RwandAir flights and even charter planes to transport more athletes, helping to reduce their overall costs."

Finally, Lappartient stresses the importance of having all 54 African nations present at the World Championships. He believes that even less experienced riders can send an important message. "Of course, some of them won’t be at the highest level, but simply being there is a powerful statement—not only that these championships are in Africa, but also for Africa."

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