While some rejoice on the occasion of the first-ever World Championships on African soil, there are also those who look beyond the facade and warn about serious issues that resurface for the sport of cycling from this event taking place in Rwanda in particular.
"That country's leader, Paul Kagame, would be in the top three if you were to list the most brutal, murderous government leaders of the past 30 years. Ordinary Rwandans are victims rather than beneficiaries of this event," Dutch journalist Thomas Sijtsma explains his issue with this year's World Championships on the In de Waaier podcast.
"We are all legitimizing Kagame's oppression and the assassination of opposition leaders. The cyclists also need to understand that they are pawns in the game. I understand that you want to cycle a World Championship. But ask yourself this: would I cycle a World Championship in Russia? If the answer is no, then you certainly shouldn't cycle in Rwanda."
Thijs Zonneveld adds that it's hard for cyclists themselves to create any change. "In this case, the athlete is the weakest link. I'd love for riders to speak out, but you rarely see that. Pello Bilbao spoke out this week against the genocide in Israel, and Soren Waerenskjold once refused to ride the Saudi Tour. But that happens very rarely."
Too dependent
Among the many reasons why is that so, one that stands out is that it's essentially these "grey list" countries that pump large amounts of money into the sport of cycling, allowing the birth of modern-day superteams. And they're paid back by "sportwashing" of their names through good results etc.
"Especially because there are so many sponsors in cycling who use the sport to enhance their image." However Zonneveld understands that you can't just disband a team based on your principles and neither would you wish to lose your job just like that. "But leaving this choice up to the riders themselves is, in my opinion, the worst option."
Zonneveld instead points the finger at the UCI who are seemingly applying a double standard when it comes to their stances, something that has been criticized heavily after the disgrace of 2025 Vuelta a Espana: "Of course, the responsibility lies primarily with the UCI. They're issuing a statement after the Vuelta that politics and sport don't mix, while a week later we're simply going to Rwanda to ride a World Championship..."
Sijtsma believes cycling has grown too dependent on the money from Middle East and other dubious parties: "It's gotten to the point where it's almost impossible to stop. What would cycling be without the money from these kinds of regimes? There wouldn't be much left. When we think of the UAE, we all think of Tadej Pogacar, not the human rights violations while they supply weapons to Sudan."
The Dutchman finally expressed his faul mood over this whole situation: "I have very little desire to write anything about cycling at this World Championships in Rwanda. You can't ignore it, and journalists have to address it."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses 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.
claps 1visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Pidcock finished 9th place, 29 minutes down. he is a helluva rider, so gutsy. and he is amazing at all disciplines. but this headline is . . .mij09-11-2026
- I know, watch the video. and listen to her competitors. it was a tricky tacky call at best. WTF is this guy talking about??? my original comment was from the picture it didn't look like anything.mij09-11-2026
- I dunno what you're talking about. you make no sense. MS's competitor and the competitors coach said it was BS. she didn't deviate in a way that relegation should be required. revel LOL. you're so cool, in your own mind.mij09-11-2026
- deviation lol, watch the videomij09-11-2026
- the 'No different than women who follow and discuss celebs through gossip magazines' comment was unfortunately a bit off. didn't you just boast about your principles in the comments section of another article?Ketterechts08-11-2026
- Are you MrMauMau 2.0? Nothing you are saying is really relevant. Vaguely connected, but irrelevant. The conversation is whether Schreiber impeded Brand or not.
Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - He is boring
leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
- Yeah, unreal.
parisbound0008-11-2026
Loading
Write a comment