Tour du Rwanda
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | February-March |
| Region | Rwanda |
| Discipline | Road |
| Competition | UCI Africa Tour |
| Type | 2.1 |
| Organiser | Rwanda Cycling Federation |
| Web site | www |
| History | |
| First edition | 1988 |
| Editions | 28 (as of 2025) |
| First winner | File:Flag of Rwanda.svg Célestin Ndengeyingoma (RWA) |
| Most wins | File:Flag of Rwanda.svg Abraham Ruhumuriza (RWA) (5 wins) |
| Most recent | File:Flag of France.svg Fabien Doubey (FRA) |
The Tour du Rwanda is a cycling race started in 1988 and based in Rwanda. Until 2008, TOUR DU RWANDA was a regional cycling race that brought together Rwandans but also riders from neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda. The race is a cycling stage race that is organized by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). The event has been part of the UCI Africa Tour as a category 2.1-rated event since 2009.
Winners
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Controversies
[edit | edit source]Despite security concerns due to the ongoing conflict near Rwanda's borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, participants in the 2025 Tour du Rwanda reported feeling safe. The race passed close to Goma and Bukavu, cities captured by the M23 rebel group. While Belgian team Soudal Quick-Step withdrew due to these concerns, riders like South African Ryco Schutte and Belgian Kamiel Eeman expressed no fear during the event. The UCI and Rwandan officials assured that the country was safe for tourism and business, with strong security measures in place. However, Rwanda has faced accusations of "sportswashing," with critics alleging that the government uses sports to distract from its human rights record. These accusations were denied by Rwandan officials. Despite these controversies, the Tour du Rwanda proceeded without incidents, and the 2025 UCI Road World Championships are still set to be hosted in Kigali.[1]
References
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