Biniam Girmay and Other African Riders Face Limited Opportunities Due to Challenging Course Design at Rwanda World Championships

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Girmay raises Concerns Over Challenging course at Rwanda’s cycling world Championships

Kigali, Rwanda – Eritrean cycling star Biniam Girmay has publicly expressed reservations about the difficulty of the course set for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda. Girmay, a prominent competitor on the WorldTour circuit, argues the route is overly demanding and may not provide a fair chance for African cyclists.

The 25-year-old, celebrated for his stage wins at the Tour de France and a silver medal at the 2021 UCI World Championships, likened the planned race to the notoriously grueling Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a classic one-day race known for its punishing climbs. He indicated that the Rwandan course appears tailored for a very limited number of elite riders and is unlikely to favor athletes from the African continent.

Course Details Spark Debate

Girmay stated his discomfort with a course designed to be exceptionally challenging, suggesting he’d rather avoid participation than be relegated to simply completing the race. He voiced these sentiments during a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre on Friday.

The elite men’s race will cover a meaningful 267.5 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 5,475 meters. Key challenges include multiple ascents of Côte de Péage (1.8km at 5.9%), the demanding Mount Kigali (5.9km at 6.9% and 1,771 meters altitude), and the steep, cobbled Mur de Kigali. These features present a formidable test even for seasoned climbers.

“Especially on this occasion, as it is the first time in Africa, it seems a missed opportunity to showcase African talent,” Girmay explained. he highlighted the lack of opportunities for African riders even in the junior time trials, suggesting the course design doesn’t adequately support their potential.

A Historic, Yet Controversial, Venue

This year’s World Championships mark a significant milestone as the first time the event is hosted on the African continent, fulfilling a long-held ambition of the UCI to broaden the reach of the sport. Though, Girmay’s critique raises questions about the balance between creating a challenging course and fostering inclusivity.

Despite the course concerns, Girmay reaffirmed his commitment to representing Eritrea and supporting his national team. He emphasized the importance of national pride and team collaboration,despite his personal doubts about the course’s suitability for his riding style.

Defending champion Tadej Pogačar and other participating athletes have publicly praised the atmosphere and past significance of the event in Rwanda, acknowledging the nation’s passion for cycling.

Challenges Facing African cycling

Girmay underscored systemic challenges faced by African cyclists, including limited access to high-quality equipment and training resources. He cited the high cost of bicycles – frequently enough exceeding €14,000 for top-end models – as a significant barrier to entry. He stressed the need for governmental and organizational support to provide better infrastructure and opportunities for African cyclists.

Challenge	Impact	Potential Solution
High Equipment Costs	Limits access to competitive gear	Sponsorships, Equipment Donation Programs
Limited Coaching	hinders skill development	UCI-supported training programs, International Coaching Clinics
Insufficient Racing Opportunities	Restricts competitive experience	Increased investment in African race circuits

“Eritrea stands out in Africa due to its strong cycling culture and support system,” Girmay noted.”However, ample investment and opportunity expansion are crucial for fostering growth across the continent.”

The UCI has initiated programs like the WCC Satellite Programs, establishing hubs in Rwanda, but athletes continue to emphasize the need for greater investment in training and racing opportunities.

Did You Know? Rwanda’s selection as the host nation for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships represents a significant step toward diversifying the sport’s global footprint.

Girmay concluded by expressing his optimism about the future of African cycling, hoping the World Championships will serve as a catalyst for further development and investment in the sport across the continent. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for African riders to compete at the highest level, and the need for ongoing support to overcome the existing barriers.

What steps do you think the UCI could take to better support African cyclists? Do you agree with Girmay’s assessment of the course?

The Growing Globalization of Cycling

For decades,professional cycling has been dominated by European teams and riders. However, in recent years, there’s been a concerted effort to expand the sport’s reach.The selection of Rwanda as the host for the 2025 World Championships is a prime example of this trend.This shift reflects a broader movement in sports to become more inclusive and representative of global talent.

The expansion of cycling faces infrastructural and economic challenges, especially in developing nations. addressing these issues will be critical to unlocking the full potential of cyclists from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCI Road World Championships & Biniam Girmay