By: Hee-Dee Walenga
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) president, David Lappartient, stated that his wish is for Africa to produce a world champion within the next 10 years.
Lappartient has been a proponent of growing the sport on the continent since 2017 when he became president of the international cycling body. He mentioned this at the commencement of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
The UCI and the African Cycling Confederation welcomed a group of 70 young cyclists from 35 African countries. The cyclists were stationed in the Bugesera District outside Kigali and participated in a training camp facilitated by the UCI World Cycling Centre (UCI WCC).
Lappartient told The Villager, “When I ran for president, I had a dream to host the World Championships in Africa. Africa is now a strong cycling continent with fantastic athletes.”
Lappartient also stated that the purpose of the training camp was to ensure that Africa is well represented at the championships. The 35 African nations participating at the World Championships this year is also a record, another sign of the growth of the sport on the continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Sport, Nelly Mukazayire, expressed, “it’s time for Africa to set the stage for young talent so that they grow and show the potential that they truly have.”
One of the coaches at the camp, Durwan Benjamin, noted the diversity of the group and the overall growth of cycling on the continent.
“We have a very diverse group. Cycling has grown a lot in Africa in the last 20 years. Having the world championships here shows how far cycling has come on the continent,” he shared.
One of the cyclists, 21-year-old Grace Wairimu Kaviro, told The Villager, “I enjoy cycling. It keeps you out of many things. When you’re on the bike, you forget about the outside world.”
18-year-old Prateek Ravla from Zimbabwe said he enjoys the social element of cycling. “It’s nice to get to know people from different cultures.”
Mukazayire spoke encouragement to the young riders, saying “All we ask you is to believe in your potential.”
