Outlook for the 2025 Cycling World Cup – African World Cup premiere becomes a climbing game – Sport

In 2025, an African country will host the world cycling elite for the first time in the battle for the rainbow jerseys. The competitions will take place from September 21st to 28th in and around Kigali. Rwanda’s capital has almost two million inhabitants and is located at 1,500 meters above sea level.

Hills as far as the eye can see

In the land of a thousand hills, the World Cup routes will be even more suitable for strong climbers than they were in Zurich this year. The men’s road race, for example, covers 267.5 km and climbs 5,475 meters – that’s another 1,000 more than this year. In the time trial, 680 meters of altitude will have to be overcome over 40.6 km. Here too, the route profile in Zurich was flatter. The variants with a circuit have recently proven their worth.

The concept is therefore also used in street racing in Kigali. The loop is 15.1 km long. With one exception, all races are held exclusively on this lap. The elite men take a detour to Mont Kigali. The Mur de Kigali climb there includes a pavé section with an eleven percent gradient.

U23 category under test

There is a change to the World Cup program in the U23 category. In this class, Swiss Cycling won the only medals at the home World Championships with Jan Christen and Jasmin Liechti (in the time trials). Although Christen will only turn 21 next year, he will no longer be eligible to compete. The reason for this is a rule adjustment by the UCI, the world cycling association.

In the future, only drivers who are not under contract with a world or pro team will be admitted to the U23 races. This applies to men. For women, the rule will initially only affect the World Tour teams. Because riders are becoming top riders ever younger, the UCI is also considering shifting the age limits for the junior categories.

It is under discussion that the U23 may be converted into a U22 or U21. The original goal of the U23 category was to bridge the gap between junior and elite levels and to provide an intermediate step towards professionalism.

Competitive sports as tourism advertising

By hosting the World Cycling Championships, Rwanda is continuing its efforts to become a major player in world sport. The East African country is investing millions for this purpose. For several years now, Rwanda has been sponsoring several top football clubs. The slogan “Visit Rwanda” is emblazoned on the jerseys of Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

The country, which lags far behind in international comparison when it comes to human rights, wants to boost tourism in this way. One day – if the government wants – the Olympic Games or the Football World Cup will even be held in Rwanda.