Photo: French Olympic Team.
The International Cycling Union ticked a much-anticipated box last year by organizing its first World Road Cycling Championships in RwandaLooking back, David Lappartient reflected on this edition on the website of Peace & Sport that holds the top spot. " The organization of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali constituted a historic step for our sport and for the African continentThis was the first edition held in Africa. The UCI's assessment is very positive., emphasizes the president of FI. Beyond the sporting aspect, this event also had a strong symbolic and societal impactby helping to raise the profile of cycling on the African continent and inspiring new vocations. It is fully in line with the UCI's commitment to promoting the global and inclusive development of our sport worldwide. »
Bringing the best runners in the world back to Africa was a long-standing goal of the leader. Our goal is to support the development of cycling on all continentsby supporting national federations, strengthening local capacities, and creating concrete opportunities for athletes, organizers, and younger generations. Africa plays a vital role in this regard, with considerable potential that we wish to continue to promote "He says.
And to reaffirm the power of his sport, he concluded: Cycling is one of the few truly universal sports, practiced and understood all over the world, regardless of culture or social context. As such, it naturally carries an element of connection and sharing. For me, cycling should not only be a sport of performance, but also a tool for dialogue between peoplesThrough competitions, development programs, and youth training, we have the capacity to create lasting links and to contribute, at our level, to a better mutual understandingIt is this human and universal dimension that gives full meaning to the actions of the UCI. »
