Kigali Welcomes the World as Ghana Cycling Federation and the Bahati Foundation’s African Cycling Initiative makes its Historic Debut at the UCI Road Worlds.
KIGALI, RWANDA – SEPTEMBER 25, 2025: For the first time since its inception in 1921, the UCI World Cycling Championships is taking place on the African continent in Kigali, Rwanda September 21 to 28. This major cycling championships marking a historic milestone for global cycling and a celebration of Africa’s growing presence in the sport. This year’s championships are ground breaking on several levels. Kigali, the cycling capital of Africa, has given us the platform to showcase the potential, inspire the next generation, attract strong partnerships, and strengthen the vision of making cycling a flagship sport in Ghana and throughout Africa for years to come.
Day One opened with an extraordinary display of continental unity, as 36 African nations the largest representation ever at a UCI World Championships history. This historic turnout stands as a powerful testament to the rapid growth and rising influence of cycling across Africa.
Among the most significant milestones is the first-ever participation of the Ghana Cycling Federation at the World Championships since its founding in the 1950s. This historic debut is being guided by the Bahati Foundation’s African Cycling Initiative (ACI), which is premiering at the UCI Worlds with the Ghana Cycling Federation Team as one of the first national team partners of the ACI. Through ACI, the Bahati Foundation is providing coaching, training support, cycling industry expertise and team management, ensuring Ghana’s National Team is prepared to compete on the world stage.
“The World Cycling Championships in Kigali mark a true turning point for the Ghana Cycling Federation. For the first time in our history, we are proudly fielding riders across three categories as Elite, Under-23 Time Trial, and Juniors in both Time Trial and Road Race announcing Ghana’s arrival on the world stage of cycling, said Shaaban Mohammed, Secretary General, Ghana Cycling Federation.
This milestone reflects the dedication of our riders, coaches, and officials, the invaluable support of the Bahati Foundation, and the growing recognition of Ghana Cycling internationally. This collaboration is more than just a race entry it represents a new chapter for African cycling. By combining elite coaching, mentorship, and international exposure, ACI is helping Ghana lay the foundation for future generations of cyclists to pursue excellence, both in Africa and beyond, leading up to the Road to LA28.”
The Ghana Cycling Federation is proud to announce that three of its top riders are competing at the 2025 UCI World Cycling Championships, representing the nation across multiple categories: Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed (Junior), Emmanuel Sisi (Under23), and Victor Cudjoe Akpabli (Elite). Fans and supporters can view the full event schedule and follow all the action by visiting: UCI 2025 Road World Championships Schedule
“This moment is the realization of a dream we’ve had since launching the African Cycling Initiative over two years ago in Burkina Faso. For us to see African riders compete at the highest level, on African soil, in front of the world. Coaching Ghana’s National Team at the first-ever World Championships in Africa is a profound honor. We are proud that the Bahati Foundation is able to play a role in preparing these young athletes to be competitive and inspire future generations of cyclists across the continent” said Rahsaan Bahati, 10-time U.S. National Champion Cyclist and Founder, Bahati Foundation.
About UCI Road World Championships
The history of the UCI World Cycling Championships spans over a century, beginning with the first Track World Championships in 1893 in Chicago. After the International Cycling Association (ICA) held these events, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was founded in 1900. Separate professional road championships followed in 1927, while amateur races were held from 1921, with the categories eventually merging in the 1990s to create open, elite competitions.