Overview

• Racing began Sunday in Kigali with the elite time trials, launching the first UCI Road World Championships hosted in Africa.
• The European Parliament had adopted sanctions related to Rwanda and urged cancellation, but UCI president David Lappartient earlier said there was no Plan B.
• Critics and experts describe Rwanda’s hosting as sportswashing given accusations of repression at home and alleged backing of the M23 rebel group in DR Congo.
• Several riders opted out, including Germans Nils Politt and Florian Lipowitz, while stars such as Tadej Pogacar, Wout van Aert and Biniam Girmay are competing.
• Visiting riders invited by the government’s Visit Rwanda program praised Kigali’s roads and the demanding course, which features Mount Kigali, the Wall of Kigali and a hilly time trial.