Belgium Confirms Cyclists' Participation in 2025 World Championships in Rwanda Amid Diplomatic Tensions
The Director of the Belgian Cycling Federation, Nathalie Clauwaert, recently announced that Belgium plans to send a significant number of athletes to the 2025 Cycling World Championships in Rwanda. She emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed their participation would face no complications.
She stated, “We aim to send a large number of cyclists to the World Championships after participating in various races. As the Belgian Cycling Federation, our first move was to gather accurate information. We consulted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and their response aligned with what we anticipated. UCI assured us, along with other federations, that we are welcome at the World Championships and will be treated well.”
Her statement came amidst rising speculations about Belgium possibly withdrawing from the competition due to Rwanda’s government suspending diplomatic ties with Belgium. These diplomatic tensions raised questions about the participation of Belgian teams in this landmark event.
An additional concern arose when the Belgian team, Soudal-Quick-Step Devo Team, declined to join the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, citing security concerns over regional conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite these challenges, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhingerehe, expressed gratitude on his X platform for Belgium’s decision to participate. He praised this step as positive progress and warmly welcomed the Belgian cycling team along with others to Rwanda.
Nduhingerehe remarked, “This is a good decision moving in the right direction. The Belgian cycling team is indeed welcome in Rwanda, as are all other cycling teams. The World Championships in Rwanda (September 21-28, 2025), the first ever hosted in Africa, will undoubtedly be a celebration.”
The 2025 World Championships stand as a historic milestone, being hosted in Africa for the very first time. Scheduled from September 21 to September 28, 2025, the event highlights Rwanda’s growing role in global cycling events.
Minister Nduhingerehe expressed appreciation for Belgium’s decision to participate in the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda.
Un bonne décision qui va dans le bon sens. L'équipe cycliste belge est en effet la bienvenue au Rwanda, comme toutes les autres équipes cyclistes.Le championnat du monde de cyclisme sur route au Rwanda (21-28 septembre 2025), le premier en Afrique, sera certainement une fête… https://t.co/YiiMOEMt8B
— Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe (@onduhungirehe) June 5, 2025