PARIS: Cycling’s governing body UCI on Friday insisted there were no plans to move September’s world road championships from Rwanda because of the crisis in DR Congo.

“Following the spread of rumours on this subject, the UCI clarifies that no relocation of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships from Rwanda to Switzerland or any other location is planned at this time,” UCI said in a statement.

There has been media speculation in recent days about a possible ‘Plan B’ being studied concerning these first cycling worlds in Africa while the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 is leading an offensive in eastern DR Congo.

“The ongoing conflict is confined to the DRC, and Rwanda remains entirely safe for tourism and business,” the UCI insisted, adding that they were “closely monitoring developments in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and their potential impact on the organisation of the UCI Road World Championships”.

“We hope for a swift and peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement added.

“The UCI wishes to emphasise that sport, and cycling in particular, are powerful ambassadors for peace, friendship, and solidarity.”

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2025