“Other things may be more important” – Uno-X dramatically ‘advises’ riders not to race at Rwanda World Championships

Uno-X Mobility have caused a stir in Norwegian cycling after advising their riders to skip next month’s World Championships in Rwanda. With most of the team’s roster made up of Norwegians, the decision could significantly affect the national squad’s performance. The guidance, first reported by TV 2, comes despite the team enjoying one of their best seasons to date, with 18 wins in 2025, including stage 11 of the Tour de France through Jonas Abrahamsen and an impressive 6th overall from Tobias Halland Johannessen.

“There are many points to be gained in the World Championships if you do well, but it is a tough course, which requires altitude training, preparation and vaccinations in advance, and there are several things that mean you have to sacrifice a lot. We have not said that the riders will not be allowed to participate, but that other things may be more important,” said team manager Thor Hushovd to TV 2.

He added, “We can help guide the athletes and say that we prefer that they not cycle at the World Championships. One might ask what kind of signal it sends that we say no to representing Norway with the flag on our chest, but the calendar is so long and tight that we have to weigh up the needs.”

That said, the policy is not absolute. “But if there were individual athletes, like Tobias Halland Johannessen for example, who had expressed a strong desire to participate, we could of course take individual considerations into account,” Hushovd noted.

His sense is that interest is limited: “I haven't spoken to everyone personally, but my impression is that not much will has been expressed. The one-day races in Canada are important for us, there are many points to be gained, and they suit our climbers well. We haven't set any demands on anyone, but we have at the same time set some goals and guidelines, and that includes the races in Canada.”