"I have confidence in the strength of the Rwandan army" - TotalEnergies boss Jean-René Bernaudeau makes striking claim about Rwanda World Championships debate

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.