President Paul Kagame received a special award from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for his role in promoting cycling in Rwanda and across Africa. The honor was presented during a gala dinner in Kigali on Saturday, September 27, 2025, ahead of the closing ceremony of the UCI Road World Championships.
UCI President David Lappartient praised Kagame for his support, saying Rwanda had delivered more than expected in hosting the historic event. “We will never forget your role in advancing cycling. This medal is a mark of our appreciation,” he said.
President Kagame expressed gratitude to UCI for choosing Rwanda, noting the tournament inspired unity and confidence among young people. The Kigali championships, the first ever held in Africa, attracted riders from 108 countries and featured 13 race categories, including the inaugural women’s under-23 race.
