After previously announcing it would not participate in the UCI Road World Championships set to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, this September, the Belgian government has reversed its decision.
The Belgian Cycling Federation has confirmed that the national team will participate in the event, after seeking and receiving permission from the government to travel to Rwanda.
The federation’s director, Nathalie Clauwaert, said that all preparations—including flight tickets, hotel bookings, and athletes’ gear—are underway.
This decision comes three months after Belgium suspended diplomatic relations with Rwanda, accusing the country of supporting the M23 rebel group that fights against the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Belgium also led calls for EU sanctions against Kigali.
The Cycling World Championship is scheduled to take place from September 20 to 29, 2025. Top Belgian cyclists including Victor Loulergue and Hugo Boucher are expected to represent the country.
