FERWACY: How Rwanda’s Cycling Federation is Driving National Pride, Global Recognition, and Sporting Excellence

 

FERWACY: Governance, Vision, and Role in Cycling Development

The Governing Structure and Mission

The Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) is the official national governing body for cycling in Rwanda, recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the African Cycling Confederation (CAC). It has the mandate to develop, regulate, and promote cycling across all levels within the country  from grassroots participation to the elite professional scene. FERWACY’s responsibilities include organising competitions, training officials, supporting athletes, and positioning Rwanda on the international cycling stage.

FERWACY’s strategic framework revolves around three pillars:

1. Youth Development: The federation actively nurtures young riders through structured training camps, coaching programs, and junior competitions. These efforts aim to create a deep talent pool and develop athletes who can compete regionally and internationally.
2. Community Engagement: Cycling in Rwanda is not just a competitive sport  it is a cultural phenomenon. FERWACY leverages this by organising mass participation rides, awareness campaigns, and cycling festivals that foster a cycling lifestyle and unite diverse communities.
3. Elite Performance & International Events: Beyond local development, FERWACY plays a pivotal role in bringing world-class cycling events to Rwanda and preparing Rwandan athletes for high-level competition.

In addition to domestic programming, FERWACY engages in strategic partnerships with global cycling bodies and event delivery partners. For example, ahead of the landmark 2025 UCI Road World Championships  the first time the event was hosted on African soil  FERWACY signed agreements with experienced international organisations to support logistical planning, athlete services, infrastructure, and global broadcast coordination.

Such collaborations demonstrate FERWACY’s commitment to administrative excellence and global standards, enhancing Rwanda’s capacity to manage major international sporting events.

 

Tour du Rwanda: History, Growth, and Significance

Origins and International Recognition

The Tour du Rwanda began in 1988 as a regional road cycling race, initially attracting competitors from within Rwanda and neighboring East African countries. It was elevated to an internationally rated event in 2009 when it was classified as a UCI 2.1 stage race  a significant milestone that opened the doors for professional continental teams and global cycling coverage.

Today, the Tour du Rwanda is widely recognised as Africa’s premier stage race, known for its challenging routes through the country’s dramatic terrain of hills, mountains, and highlands  reflective of Rwanda’s identity as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Unlike many cycling races, which primarily focus on speed and sprint finishes, the Tour tests riders through gruelling ascents and technical descents, requiring a blend of endurance, climbing ability, and tactical smarts. This makes it both a culturally unique and athletically respected competition on the UCI Africa Tour.

 

The 2025–2026 Editions: Momentum, Features, and Impact

Tour du Rwanda 2025

The 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda in 2025 was a landmark event that drew 69 riders from 14 teams across multiple continents  Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America  reflecting its international appeal. The competition ran from February 23 to March 2 and covered stages designed to test riders’ versatility and resilience.

The 2025 race was ultimately won by French cyclist Fabien Doubey of Team TotalEnergies after Stage 7. The final Stage 8 was curtailed due to slippery conditions, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the country’s terrain and weather. Despite this challenge, top riders completed the race safely, a testament to the organisational emphasis on competitor safety and event management by FERWACY.

In addition to its sporting value, the 2025 edition played a strategic role as a prelude to the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, offering riders and organisers high-level preparation ahead of that historic global event that took place later in the year.

B. Tour du Rwanda 2026: Expansion and Broadcast Reach

The 18th edition, scheduled for February 22 March 1, 2026, saw a substantial increase in resources and scope. According to FERWACY officials, the event’s budget rose by about 50 % to nearly Rwf 2 billion, indicating greater investment in logistics, safety, and broadcast infrastructure.

With 18 teams confirmed, including three Rwandan squads (Team Rwanda, Benediction Cycling Club, and May Stars), the race continues to blend local talent with international competition. The itinerary spans eight challenging stages, traversing from Rukomo to Kigali and featuring distances from 82 km criteriums to long mountain stages exceeding 170 km.

Importantly, all stages were slated to be broadcast live on television and digital platforms, aiming to increase global viewership and engagement a significant step in positioning the Tour du Rwanda as a truly global sporting spectacle.

This expansion not only enhances Rwanda’s visibility in the international cycling community but also strengthens tourism, spectator engagement, and local economic opportunities throughout the regions hosting race segments.

 

Broader Impact and National Pride

Beyond Competition

The Tour du Rwanda is more than a sporting event  it has become a symbol of national pride, unity, and shared identity. Roadsides in towns and rural areas teem with cheering supporters, showcasing community enthusiasm and making the event a celebration of Rwandan spirit.

The race’s cultural significance is mirrored in Rwanda’s broader embrace of cycling as a national pastime, where bicycles are common across urban and rural settings alike, and the sport contributes to youth empowerment and healthy living.

B. International Legacy and Future Prospects

Hosting recurring editions of the Tour du Rwanda and the 2025 UCI Road World Championships has elevated Rwanda’s reputation as a capable sports host and cycling powerhouse on the African continent. With discussions underway on potentially launching a UCI WorldTour race by 2027, FERWACY’s long-term vision shows ambition not just to participate in global cycling, but to shape its future from an African platform.

This trajectory reinforces Rwanda’s identity as an emerging leader in international sports events and highlights FERWACY’s role in leveraging cycling for national development, youth engagement, and global recognition.

 

Under FERWACY’s leadership, cycling in Rwanda has evolved from grassroots pastime to high-profile international competition. Through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and consistent investment in events like the Tour du Rwanda, the federation has positioned Rwanda as a central figure in African cycling and an emerging force on the global stage. Each edition of the Tour du Rwanda builds on past success expanding coverage, attracting diverse competitors, and igniting continental pride while preparing Rwanda to host even larger cycling spectacles in the years ahead.