Should the 2025 Rwanda Worlds go ahead or be cancelled?
Tour du Rwanda safety success provides a boost as Lappartient affirms commitment to Rwanda, however many challenges remain
“There is no plan B” says David Lappartient, President of the UCI. But with war crimes committed in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict intensifying and national federations scaling back their participation in the first UCI World Championships ever to be held in Africa; should the event go ahead in 2025?
Cancelling the Rwandan Worlds would be a major blow for cycling in Africa, one which may take decades to recover from. African cycling would benefit hugely from the event, catalysing investment in the sport from national governments and inspiring a new generation. However, a Worlds gone wrong may do more damage than good.
Belgian media has reported that the UCI have indeed got a plan B on the back burner, should the need arise. A return to Switzerland or possibly France may be used if a decision is made to cancel the Championships in Kigali. Whether it will be needed or not is the biggest question.
"Everything is the Tour du Rwanda we've known before," Tsgabu Grmay, DS for Team Amani, told the BBC last week. "Honestly, for me, it was all safe. I didn't feel anything like I was close to conflict really. I didn't see it. I didn't feel it."
The success of the Tour du Rwanda is a big positive to prove Rwanda’s safety and its ability to host the Worlds. So are the UCI set to hold firm to the Worlds in Kigali, or do other challenges remain?
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