"The course favors me": Africa could crown their first World Champion in Kigali on Saturday

The history of cycling is about to write a historic chapter in the African continent, and the protagonist could be the cyclist from Mauritius, Kim Le Court. This Saturday, she is one of the great favorites to win the road race of the World Championships, held in Rwanda.

This event marks an important milestone: for the first time, a cycling World Championships are being held on the African continent. And although the venue is not without its challenges, the organization and the beauty of the surroundings have surprised the cyclists, as Le Court pointed out.

"Rwanda is really a luxurious place in Africa," said the cyclist in statements collected by Sporza. "It's very clean, much better than I imagined. I've raced in worse places, with worse conditions."

Despite the beauty of the landscape and the welcome, Le Court has also pointed out the contrasts and difficulties of the place, from the chaotic traffic in the city of Kigali to the lack of strict rules on the roads.

However, for Le Court, this World Championship has a very special meaning. "I never imagined I would compete in Africa for a World Championship. It's incredible, like a dream," he expressed with a smile.

Le Court arrives in Rwanda with a different status than in previous years. After her historic victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the most prestigious classics on the cycling calendar, the Mauritian has gone from being an "underdog" rider to one of the great hopes for victory.

Although fame and expectations can be difficult to manage, the cyclist is proud of her evolution. "I was always the underdog. At the time, I wanted to be a favorite, and now I prefer to be the underdog," she joked.

"It feels good to be seen as a favorite. I have worked hard to get here, and even if the outcome is uncertain, I feel proud to represent Africa," said Le Court, who in 2025 has experienced a great mental maturity compared to previous years. "I have grown a lot, especially in terms of believing in myself."

The World Championship course, which will take place at 1,500 meters above sea level, is another of the challenges Le Court will face. The climbs and the toughness of the terrain are comparable to the classics that the cyclist has competed in the past, especially Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where she was crowned winner. Despite the difficulties presented by the course, Le Court is confident. "I know this is a course I'm good at. The climbs and the terrain favor me," she said.

Regarding the altitude and high temperatures, Le Court is clear that it will not be a determining factor. "The altitude and heat will affect everyone, but we have all done specific training for these kinds of conditions," she commented. "I'm not worried about it. Everyone should be ready for this challenge."

Kim Le Court's presence at the World Championships in Africa is not only a highlight for the cyclist, but also for African cycling in general. Although the continent has had representation in international competitions, never before has there been a situation like this, where an African cyclist is postulated as one of the great favorites. If Le Court were to win this Saturday, she would not only be making history for Mauritius, but for Africa as a whole.

With victory on her mind, Le Court says she is ready to give it her all. "This is a very special World Championship, because it's in Africa. It motivates me even more," she concluded.