World Championships in Rwanda, the European Parliament votes against. The UCI: "But there is no plan B"

The Cycling World Championships in Rwanda are at serious risk. The first world championship event in Africa continues to stir up controversy and not only that: now a motion from the European Parliament is also pushing for the cancellation of the championships, scheduled in Kigali from 21 to 28 September, already put in crisis by the very high costs for the delegations and by defections (one above all that of Filippo Ganna in the time trial).

UCI: “There is no plan B”

The traditional Tour du Rwanda (run since 2009) is taking place these days, a sort of test event for the World Championships. And in Kigali, the president of the International Cycling Union (and candidate for the presidency of the IOC) David Lappartient was also present in recent days. He poured water on troubled waters: “There is no plan B for the World Championships in September. It is a special event for us, as the UCI celebrates its 125th anniversary. That is why we decided to go to Africa. That was my dream and my goal. We also have a clear vision within the UCI about what we want to do: that is why the “World Cycling Center” works intensively with these federations, with the CAC (the African Cycling Federation) and with the various satellite centers that we now have. I believe that in the future we can really have more cyclists from these lands. I really see a bright future in Africa”.

The Swiss proposal

There was talk of a plan B at the beginning of the year, with reference to an “emergency” World Championships in Switzerland. Nothing concrete, in reality: the UCI had already denied it at that time. On the costs, Lappartient was proactive: “Since we know that it is more expensive to come to Central Africa, we are working with the Rwandan government to bring in more RwandAir flights and even to organize some charters, so that we can bring a greater number of athletes and therefore reduce the eventual cost for them. We know that many national federations from all over the world will participate in the World Championships. In addition, we want to make sure that all 54 African nations bring some athletes. Of course, some of them will not be at the highest level, but their presence is a strong message that these World Championships are in Africa, but also for Africa.”

The motion of the European Parliament

On Monday, the European Parliament called on the EU to suspend its raw materials partnership with Rwanda because it supports the M23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo, right on the border between the two countries. Among the various requests, there is also that of canceling the Cycling World Championships. MEP Hilde Vautmans wrote in a note: "Parliament calls for a freeze on military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces. We want a complete freeze on all European aid to Rwanda and the cancellation of the Road Cycling World Championships scheduled for September in Kigali." The motion was voted with 443 votes in favor and 4 against. An overwhelming majority, which risks undermining Lappartient's certainties.