"I have confidence in the strength of the Rwandan army" - TotalEnergies boss Jean-René Bernaudeau makes striking claim about Rwanda World Championships debate
Cycling
Concerns have been raised over the upcoming UCI Road World
Championships in Rwanda, with growing speculation that the event could be at
risk due to the country’s involvement in regional conflicts. Now, some of the
cycling world have begun to add their thoughts to the events.
Reports surfaced in recent days suggesting that Rwanda’s
backing of military action in neighbouring Congo has led to calls for the
championships to be postponed, particularly from the European Parliament.
The issue puts the UCI in a delicate position, as cycling’s
governing body attempts to balance its commitment to keeping politics separate
from sport while facing increasing scrutiny over these serious ethical
concerns. UCI President David Lappartient addressed the controversy in an
interview with RFI, acknowledging the political tensions while
reaffirming the organisation’s stance on the championships.
"Ethics is always a major subject for us,"
Lappartient stated. "I leave it to the governments to settle the issues.
And we see that there are discussions in progress. Naturally, the UCI, like the
sports movement, calls for de-escalation, calls for peace. That is our role.
And we are a tool, moreover, in the service of peace."
Despite the ongoing situation, Lappartient expressed
confidence that the championships will proceed as planned in September. He
suggested that the recently concluded Tour of Rwanda has demonstrated the
country’s ability to host major sporting events without security risks.
"We have no doubt that the World Championships will be
held in September. And I believe that the Tour of Rwanda will finally provide
confirmation that the country is secure and therefore that there is no risk for
these World Championships. Ultimately, it is good that this event is taking
place now.
“It will allow us to show, beyond the controversies that
some have been able to launch, that this World Championship will indeed take
place. We have been working on it for a very long time, the UCI and the Rwandan
government. We make our decisions independently. Two, we are politically
neutral.
“That does not prevent us from having an opinion, sometimes,
on subjects that could slip, from expressing an opinion or from reconsidering
certain positions. But here, today, very clearly, the conditions are met for
these World Championships to take place," he added.
While the UCI remains firm in its stance, external voices
within cycling have also weighed in on the situation, some in a manner that
raises eyebrows (to put things lightly).
TotalEnergies boss Jean-René Bernaudeau made a particularly
striking remark regarding Rwanda’s military strength, stating, "I have
confidence in the strength of the Rwandan army. Today, they are talking more
about invading others than being in danger in the country. I have no reason to
be worried."
His statement, while likely meant to reassure, instead draws
further attention to the very geopolitical issues that are fuelling concerns
over Rwanda as a host nation. Acknowledging that Rwanda is “talking more about
invading others” may highlight the controversy rather than dispelling it. What
do you think?
This situation presents a complex dilemma for the UCI, and
it’s very clear that they have a lot of work on their hands. The governing body
insists on political neutrality, yet the ethical debate surrounding Rwanda’s
involvement in conflict continues to intensify.
"While the organisation
maintains that the World Championships will go ahead, pressure from
international bodies could force a reassessment if the political situation
deteriorates further.
For now, the focus remains on whether the event can steer
clear of becoming overshadowed by geopolitics. The World Championships in
Rwanda were initially heralded as a historic moment; the first time the event
would be held in Africa. However, with escalating concerns and growing
political scrutiny, the significance of this milestone risks being entangled in
controversy rather than celebration.
We sense that this debate is far from over. Until the riders
are on the start line in Rwanda, anything could happen.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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