Kigali – Rwanda has once again demonstrated its growing reputation as Africa’s cycling capital, successfully hosting the 2025 UCI Women’s Time Trial World Championship in the heart of Kigali. The race, which began at the iconic BK Arena and concluded at the Kigali Convention Centre, showcased not only the strength of world-class athletes but also Rwanda’s ability to stage premier international sporting events.
Swiss rider Marlen Reusser claimed victory in the 32.1-kilometer individual time trial, clocking an impressive 43 minutes and nine seconds to secure the coveted rainbow jersey and gold medal. She was followed by Dutch legend Anna van der Breggen, who won silver, and Norway’s Katrine Aalerud, who earned bronze.
For Rwanda, the championship was more than a sporting event—it was a historic milestone. Two Rwandan women, Nirere Xaverine and Ingabire Diane, proudly represented the nation against 44 world-class competitors. Xaverine secured 27th place with a time of 50 minutes and seven seconds, while Ingabire finished 35th in 52 minutes and five seconds, marking Rwanda’s presence in a fiercely competitive field.
Officials and cycling enthusiasts hailed the event as a clear signal of Rwanda’s readiness to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships later this year—the first time the prestigious competition will be held on African soil. The world’s spotlight on Kigali has not only elevated Rwanda’s global sporting profile but also reinforced its status as a beacon of resilience, organization, and ambition on the continent.
As the rainbow jersey was awarded under the Kigali skyline, the world witnessed a victory not just for Marlen Reusser, but for Rwanda itself—cementing its place at the center of global cycling history.
BY: The Times Union