The Rwandan national cycling team, preparing to compete in the 99th UCI Cycling World Championships in Montreal, Canada, was officially welcomed by Ambassador Prosper Higiro, Rwanda's ambassador to Canada, on the evening of September 19, 2026. The championships, set to begin on September 20, 2026, will run for eight days, concluding on September 27, 2026. This event marks the second time Rwanda has been involved in the championships, following its successful hosting in Kigali last year.
The team, comprising cyclists, officials, and the President of the Fédération Rwandaise de Cyclisme (FERWACY), Nkurayija Ishimwe Jean Hubert, was warmly received by Ambassador Higiro. During the reception, the ambassador encouraged the team to make Rwanda proud in the championships, emphasizing the significance of this event as a follow-up to Rwanda's history-making hosting of the championships last year. He urged the team to embody the spirit of "Kuzimana u Rwanda" (to make Rwanda proud).
The Rwandan team has been preparing for the championships, with cyclists such as Nirere Xaverine and Ingabire Diane already competing in individual time trials (ITT) on Sunday morning in Kigali. They covered a distance of 39.2 kilometers, showcasing their readiness for the global competition. The team's participation in the championships is a significant milestone, with Rwanda being one of 100 countries set to compete.
The 99th UCI Cycling World Championships in Montreal will feature various events and disciplines, attracting top cyclists from around the world. The Rwandan team's participation is expected to raise the country's profile in the cycling world, building on the success of last year's championships in Kigali. Ambassador Higiro's welcome message emphasized the importance of this event in promoting Rwandan cycling and national pride.
The team's delegation, including cyclists, officials, and FERWACY President Nkurayija Ishimwe Jean Hubert, expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and support from Ambassador Higiro and the Rwandan diaspora in Canada. They acknowledged the significance of this event in promoting Rwandan cycling and vowed to make the most of this opportunity to compete against the best cyclists globally.
As the championships approach, the Rwandan team is expected to face stiff competition from top cycling nations. However, with their preparation and determination, they aim to make a positive impact and raise the country's profile in the cycling world. The event will provide a platform for Rwandan cyclists to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience competing against the best.
The UCI Cycling World Championships will not only showcase top cycling talent but also provide an opportunity for participating countries to promote their cycling programs and national identity. For Rwanda, this event marks a significant milestone in its cycling history, building on the success of last year's championships and paving the way for future growth and development in the sport.
Key points
- Rwanda's national cycling team participates in the 99th UCI Cycling World Championships in Montreal, Canada, from September 20-27, 2026.
