Yesterday, Kigali witnessed the pinnacle of cycling—the Men’s Elite Road Race, a grueling 267.5 kilometers that tested the limits of endurance. For the riders, it was about grit, grind, and glory. For us, the fans, it was about the vibe, the celebration, and the atmosphere.
I parked my bike in Rugando and made my way to the KCC Roundabout fan zone, already buzzing with energy. From this spot, I watched several laps amid the thunder of cheers and the rhythm of the riders’ relentless pace. Then curiosity pulled me further—I took a stroll to the Kimihurura cobblestone stretch, one of the toughest parts of the course. Standing on the sideline, I felt the raw determination etched on the riders’ faces as they conquered the hill. The effort, the struggle—it was all right there, close enough to touch.
Later, I returned to KCC Roundabout for the crowning moment. Yes, I was there when Tadej Pogačar surged ahead, crossing the finish line to claim the rainbow jersey. The fan zone erupted—flags waving, strangers hugging, and the roar of celebration filling the city.
What truly stood out was the culturally diverse audience united by a shared love for sports and tourism. Spectators from across the world lined the streets, turning Kigali into a festival of global camaraderie. From the cobbled climbs of Kimihurura to the iconic Mur de Kigali, the city had transformed into a living arena, celebrating both the sport and Rwanda’s place on the world stage.
For me, it wasn’t just about seeing a world champion crowned. It was about the shared joy, the unity, and the electric energy that swept through Kigali. The week-long cycling frenzy in Kigali ended with a bang, leaving a city and a continent united in celebration, pride, and the exhilaration of having witnessed history unfold on African soil.