High risk of cancellation for 2025 Rwanda World Championships - European Parliament threatens; Lappartient defends

7 months away from the Rwanda World Championships, the first time road cycling will have this large event hosted in the African continent, but the entire Worlds are at risk following Rwanda's backing of an invasion into neighboring Congo. The stakes are higher than ever, and as reported by Relevo, the European Parliament itself is calling to put the event to an end.

This is an extremely delicate situation, with strings being pulled from several sides. For a few years now, the situation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen several instances of armed conflict and in 2022 the M23 group began offensive actions into the Kivu district of Rwanda, neighbouring Rwanda. Despite being many times smaller, Rwandan forces have entered Congolese territory, aiding the capture of territory including the city of Goma - with around 800.000 inhabitants. 2900 civilian caualties are reported, and 20 UN peacekeepers met the same faith.

Besides the large costs and vaccination requirements, this conflict has further led to criticism of the World Championships being hosted in Rwanda, a country actively participating in the invasion of it's neighbour. It had been rumoured that a 'Plan B' route had even been designed in Switzerland, in case the situation deteriorates, although this can not be confirmed at the time being.

Recently, the European Parliament approved a course of action regarding Rwanda's actions and on the 13th of February they have discussed 30 points regarding possible action against the African nation. Point 29 says the following: "Calls for the cancellation of the 2025 World Road Cycling Championships, organised by the International Cycling Union, in Kigali if Rwanda does not change course". The Spanish news outlet reported today that the overwhelming majority of votes in the European Parliament supported this course of action.

But the story deepens with UCI president David Lappartient, who was in Rwanda this weekend for the start of the Tour du Rwanda, the country's top race - where Soudal - Quick-Step decided not to participate taking into consideration the race's proximity to the area of conflict, only with a few dozen kilometers separating the race convoy from the frontline. Some argue that Lappartient will be running for head of the Olympic committee and is working his influence to capture votes for the upcoming elections, and that his presence in Rwanda is further evidence.

In talks with Cyclingnews, Lappartient argued that the UCI is not looking to call of the World Championships. "There is no plan B," he said, whilst also discussing possible measures to be taken in order to provide riders and national teams with smaller costs to be able to make the trip in September.