The 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda will be held for the first time in Africa and will be one of the hardest races in rainbow jersey history, with the elite men climbing 5,475m in elevation during the 267.5km race.

The race route was officially announced at the 2024 Road World Championships in Zurich on Thursday. The race will take place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, between September 21 and 28, 2025.

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and Kigali is located at an altitude of 1,850 meters, which adds an additional challenge to the race.

“The high altitude and uphill climbs will push the athletes to their limits. History will depend on whether or not they make it,” organizers said.

The time trials will run from Sunday through Wednesday. The elite men will climb 680m in elevation in a 40.6km race, while the elite women will climb 460m in elevation in just over 31.2km.

The road races will be held between Thursday and Sunday, with the under-23 women's road race being held separately from the elite women's race for the first time.

The road race will take place on a 15.1 km lap course, with two short climbs and a series of undulating trials. In addition to the 15 laps, the men's race features a 42.5 km extension circuit in the middle of the race, climbing the infamous Mules du Kigal.

The women's elite will complete 11 laps of the Kigali circuit.

“It has been my dream for many years to bring the World Cycling Championships to the African continent.

“In one year's time, it will become a reality. I am delighted that this historic event will be held in Rwanda, already known for the beautiful Tour of Rwanda.

“Kigali and all of Rwanda have a rich cycling culture that will be shared with the world. We cannot wait to welcome the cycling family to what will be a milestone in the development and globalization of our sport.”

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