Making History: Ghana’s Junior Cyclists Head to Kigali for the First-Ever UCI World Championships on African Soil
This September, the cycling world turns its eyes to Kigali, Rwanda. For the first time since its founding in 1921, the UCI World Cycling Championships will take place on African soil—a moment that marks more than a century of waiting, dreaming, and building. And the Bahati Foundation, together with the Ghana Cycling Federation, is proud to be part of this groundbreaking milestone.
Through our African Cycling Initiative (ACI), the Bahati Foundation is coaching and supporting Ghana’s National Junior Team as they compete on the world stage September 21–28, 2025. Led by Rahsaan Bahati, 10-time U.S. National Champion and Bahati Foundation Founder, the team is preparing to tackle Rwanda’s famous “land of a thousand hills” in the Men’s Junior Individual Time Trials and Road Race.
Three young riders—Farrahkan, Emmanuel, and Victor—will represent Ghana with pride, determination, and courage. For these athletes, the World Championships are more than a race; they are a chance to showcase Africa’s rising cycling talent and to inspire the next generation.
“To see the UCI World Championships finally come to Africa is an incredible moment—not just for cycling, but for the future of youth sports across the continent. Coaching Ghana’s National Junior Team is a privilege, and I believe these young athletes represent the next generation of global cycling talent.”
The Ghana Cycling Federation echoes this vision. As Secretary General Shaaban Muhammad explained, the partnership provides riders with “the technical expertise, mentorship, and inspiration they need to perform at the highest level.”
This effort is part of the Bahati Foundation’s Road to LA28 Campaign, a multi-year movement to develop cycling talent, infrastructure, and education programs across Africa. From equipment donations to coaching camps, mentorship to international competition opportunities, the African Cycling Initiative is creating pathways for athletes who once had little access to the global stage.
As Rwanda hosts Junior, Under-23, and Elite riders chasing the coveted rainbow jersey, the presence of Ghana’s juniors carries a powerful message: African cycling belongs at the heart of the sport’s future.
We invite you to follow along and celebrate this historic first. Every pedal stroke from Farrahkan, Emmanuel, and Victor is a symbol of possibility—not only for Ghana, but for youth across the continent.
👉 Learn more about the 2025 UCI World Championships
Together, let’s cheer them on as they ride into history.