In Kigali, the Rwandans live the first world cycling championships in Africa

Rwanda welcomes the first world cycling world championships organized on the African continent on Sunday. Tadej Pogacar or Pauline Ferrand-Prévot are present.

A new page in the history of cycling is written on Sunday September 21 with the beginnings of the World Road Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. For the first time since 1921, the Worlds argued on the African continent, with to start the time trial men and women. The biggest stars in the peloton responded, to the delight of the Rwandans.

As of Saturday, in the streets of Kigali, the excitement was already palpable with Rwandans shouting in passing the runners who came to spot the course. Kigalians who had released their chairs on the sidewalk, curious to see the show, like OneESPHORE, bike in hand and particularly proud. “It will change the image of the country. I am happy to see Pogacar, here in Kigali, with my own eyes”he testifies.

Many of them have posed vacation days to follow the competition. But it is all the African cycling that awaits this event impatiently, says Vanette Houssou. At 20, she is about to play her first Worlds for Benin. “Many people encourage us, they are really proud of us”she confides with emotion.

Thirty-eight African nations are present for these world championships, which constitutes a record in countries where cycling is still and above all a tool of travel. The Breton Cédrine Kerbaol appreciates the shock of cultures: “Frankly, we cannot ignore the context. It also helps us put into perspective. We see these people who are struggling to carry their banana regime. We saw them falling on the road and we say that we are lucky”.

The French champion who will start the time like most of the peloton, Pogacar and Evenepoel stars in mind.