Guidelines for Kigali businesses ahead of global cycling race
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has issued a public advisory urging businesses to prepare strategically for movement restrictions that will be imposed during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships taking place in Kigali from September 21 to 28.
Temporary road closures will be implemented in Kigali to facilitate the smooth running of the race, which is expected to attract thousands of people, including international participants and visitors.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, September 2, MINICOM encouraged private sector players to take advantage of the race season as an opportunity to do business and deliver high-quality services to participants, visitors and fans.
The ministry urged traders to ensure adequate stock of goods in advance to avoid disruptions during road closures, and arrange any necessary deliveries during night hours when roads are open.
It added that truck drivers will be facilitated during night hours.
“Your active participation and preparedness are essential to the success of this world-class event,” the ministry said in the advisory.
Related measures during UCI race
In a related development, the government had earlier announced the temporary closure of all schools in Kigali for the duration of the championships.
Officials stated that the eight-day closure is a safety measure aimed at protecting cyclists, students, and the general public during the event.
Rwanda's hosting of the UCI Road World Championships marks a historic milestone as it is the first time the race will be held on African soil.
The race, which is traditionally held in one city, is expected to see the world’s top cyclists competing in various categories across Kigali’s major roads.
Race details and routes
The first three days of the competition will feature individual time trials, beginning from inside the BK Arena — a first in UCI history, as no world championship has ever started from an indoor venue.
Cyclists will then ride through key locations including Kimironko, Chez Lando, Gisimenti, Sonatubes, Kicukiro Centre, Gahanga, and Gikondo, before finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
On the fourth day of the race, the mixed team relay will follow the same route, also starting and ending at KCC.
The final four days are reserved for road races, with courses again beginning and ending at KCC. Cyclists will pass through locations such as the RDB Building, MTN Headquarters, Nyarutarama, Golf Course roads, Kacyiru, RIB Headquarters, and the cobblestone section in Kabindi.
The championship will culminate in a challenging final day featuring an extended route that includes a climb to Norvège Hill in Karama, a descent through Nyabugogo, and a loop around Mount Kigali.
Countries that have announced teams for the UCI race include the United States, France, Australia, New Zealand and the host Rwanda.
