KIGALI, Rwanda (BG) – The 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda, Africa’s premier cycling race, kicked off Sunday at Kigali BK Arena as the East African nation prepares to host a global cycling event later this year.

The Tour runs from February 23 to March 2 and features teams from prominent African cycling nations such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Africa, competing alongside professional squads like Israel-Premier Tech and Team TotalEnergies from France.

This year’s edition comes ahead of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Championships, which are expected to draw riders from around the world for the first World Championships to be held in Africa in 125 years. The UCI has 201 member federations.

Belgian rider Aldo Taillieu of the Lotto Cycling Team won the opening prologue, a fast-paced 3.4-kilometer sprint from BK Arena to Amahoro Stadium, setting the stage for seven days of intense competition.

The Tour du Rwanda’s growing reputation demonstrates Africa’s growing influence in international cycling as riders cover 823 kilometers through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame also met with UCI President David Lappartient to discuss the opening of the UCI World Cycling Center Regional Development Satellite.

The initiative will serve as a training center for elite talent and support cyclists from Rwanda, the continent and beyond.

They also discussed the potential for the Tour du Rwanda to grow and be promoted to the ProSeries and WorldTour levels, according to the Rwandan presidency.

Since joining the UCI Africa Tour in 2009, the Tour du Rwanda has become a major global event, attracting elite riders and enhancing Rwanda’s appeal as a sporting and investment destination.

With 69 riders competing on Rwanda’s challenging terrain, often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills,” the Tour du Rwanda showcases the country’s strong commitment to cycling and emphasizes Africa’s increasing prominence in the global sporting arena.