LEUVEN, Belgium — The 2025 road cycling world championships have been awarded to Rwanda, a first for an African country.
The capital Kigali “will provide a magnificent backdrop” for the week-long championships which were first held in 1921, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient has revealed.
It is the newest international sports project by Rwanda and longtime leader Paul Kagame, who have been criticized for repressive policies and human rights abuses.
Kagame this year hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the opening of a regional development office for the world football organization in Kigali.
Rwanda recently renewed an annual US$13 million shirt sleeve sponsorship for English Premier League club Arsenal until 2025, and Kagame slammed the team on Twitter after a defeat in the opening fixture of the Premier League. season.
The Rwandan president was in Belgium on Thursday to meet Lappartient on the sidelines of the decision to host the road worlds.
