UCI Road World Championships 2025 – Yuhi Todome and Japan’s Pride in Kigali

Kigali 2025 – Capturing Yuhi Todome in the Men’s Elite Road Race

キガリ2025 – 男子エリートロードレースで日本代表・留目夕陽選手を撮影して

There are moments as a photographer that truly stay with you, and today in Kigali was one of them. The UCI Road World Championships 2025 brought the Men’s Elite road race to the streets of Rwanda’s capital, and the atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

カメラマンとして心に残る瞬間がいくつかありますが、今日のキガリでの体験はそのひとつになりました。UCIロード世界選手権2025がルワンダの首都キガリの街を舞台に男子エリートロードレースを開催し、その雰囲気はこれまでに味わったことのないものでした。

Crowds lined the roads, cheering with passion, creating a wave of energy that carried the riders through every climb and sprint. Kigali has embraced this historic event—the first time the World Championships are being held in Africa—with open arms, and the city feels alive in every sense.

沿道には多くの観客が詰めかけ、熱い声援がライダーたちを山道でもスプリントでも後押ししていました。世界選手権がアフリカで初めて開催されるという歴史的な瞬間を、キガリはまさに全身で受け止め、この街は大きな活気に満ちていました。

I was especially thrilled to capture Yuhi Todome, representing Japan 🇯🇵. He gave it his all out there, riding with heart and determination. Through my lens, I could see the focus in his eyes and the strength in every pedal stroke. It was inspiring to witness, and a proud moment for Japan on this global stage.

特に、日本代表の留目夕陽選手 🇯🇵 を撮影できたことに感激しました。彼は全力を尽くし、心と決意を込めて走っていました。レンズ越しに見える彼の眼差しの集中力や、ペダルを踏む一瞬一瞬に込められた力強さは本当に感動的であり、日本が世界の舞台で輝く瞬間を誇らしく感じました。

The Men’s Elite race itself was intense and electric, showcasing the very best of world cycling. But what made it even more special was seeing athletes like Todome rise to the occasion and leave everything on the road.

男子エリートレースそのものも非常に激しく、世界最高レベルの走りが繰り広げられていました。しかし、特別な瞬間となったのは、留目選手のように全てを出し切る姿を目の当たりにできたことでした。

For me, this wasn’t just about photography—it was about being present in a moment of history, where Kigali, cycling, and the spirit of international sport came together in a powerful way.

私にとってこれは単なる写真撮影ではなく、キガリ、サイクリング、そして国際スポーツの精神が力強く交わる「歴史の瞬間」に立ち会うことでした。

I’ll carry these images and memories with me for a long time. Kigali has shown the world its energy, its beauty, and its love for cycling, and I’m grateful to have been here to document it.

この瞬間と写真は、これからも長く心に残るでしょう。キガリは世界にその活力、美しさ、そしてサイクリングへの情熱を示してくれました。私はその姿を記録できたことに心から感謝しています。

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Kigali 2025 UCI Road World Championships

Yesterday was nothing short of unforgettable. I had the privilege of photographing the Women’s Under 23 road race at the UCI Road World Championships here in Kigali — and it’s hard to put into words just how electric the atmosphere was.

From the very first moments, the city felt alive. Streets lined with fans waving flags, cheering, and singing created a wall of sound that carried the riders forward. Every corner, every climb, every sprint was met with thunderous applause and joy from the crowds. You could feel the pride, the passion, and the sense that we were all part of something truly historic.

For Africa, and Rwanda especially, this championship marks more than just a race — it’s a milestone. To see the world of cycling gather here, on these roads, surrounded by Kigali’s vibrant energy, is to witness history being made.

Behind my lens, I tried to capture and determination of the riders.

Photographing this race was more than documenting a sporting event. It was about capturing a celebration of resilience, passion, and progress. Kigali showed the world what it means to host a championship with heart. And being here, camera in hand, to witness and preserve this moment — I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Kigali 2025 UCI World Championships

There is something magical happening in Kigali right now. The city feels alive in a way that words can hardly capture—charged with excitement, joy, passion, and pure happiness. The UCI World Championships are here, in Africa for the very first time, and Kigali has embraced the moment with open arms and beating drums.

Even though I’m watching the live stream from the comfort of my home, I don’t feel separated from the energy. Quite the opposite—I’m immersed in it. Out my window, I can see the helicopter circling above the BK Arena and the glowing dome of the Kigali Convention Centre, a reminder of how monumental this event truly is. The voices and rhythms of drums carry across the hills, weaving their way into my living room, blending with the commentary and the roar of the crowd from the stream.

It’s more than just a race. It’s history unfolding. The spirit of Rwanda and Africa is on full display, showing the world the strength, resilience, and love for celebration. I can feel the pride radiating from every cheer, every beat of the drum, every cyclist pushing themselves to the limit on these hilly, beautiful roads.

Today, Kigali isn’t just hosting a sporting event—it’s hosting the world. And I’m grateful to be right here, witnessing this moment, the city transformed into the heart of global cycling.

FERWACY’s role in the UCI Kigali 2025

🌍 English Version

FERWACY – Leading Rwanda’s Cycling Journey 🚴🇷🇼

The Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) is proud to play a key role in hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships right here in Kigali — the first time this historic event comes to Africa!

From planning the routes and preparing Rwanda’s national team, to engaging communities through fan zones and celebrations, FERWACY is making sure the world experiences Rwanda’s passion for cycling.

This is more than a race — it’s a legacy for Rwanda and African cycling. Let’s come together and cheer our riders as we make history on the global stage! 🌟

🇷🇼 Kinyarwanda Version

FERWACY – Kuyobora urugendo rw’amagare mu Rwanda 🚴🇷🇼

Ishyirahamwe ry’Umukino w’Amagare mu Rwanda (FERWACY) rifite ishema ryo kuba ku isonga mu gutegura Shampiyona y’Isi y’Amagare 2025 i Kigali — ku nshuro ya mbere ibereye muri Afurika!

Uhereye ku gutegura inzira z’amarushanwa no gutoza Ikipe y’Igihugu, kugeza ku gushishikariza abaturage binyuze muri fan zones n’ibirori bitandukanye, FERWACY irimo kwereka isi yose urukundo rw’u Rwanda ku mukino w’amagare.

Ibi si amarushanwa gusa — ni umurage w’u Rwanda n’amagare muri Afurika. Twese hamwe tuzashyigikire abakinnyi bacu, dukore amateka ku rwego rw’isi! 🌟

Riding New Heights: Experiencing UCI Kigali 2025 in the Heart of Africa

 There’s a special electricity in Kigali this week. The city is alive with colours, energy and the roar of bicycle wheels as Rwanda hosts the 2025 UCI Road World Championships — the first time this prestigious event has been held on African soil. 

Why Kigali Feels Historic

From 21-28 September 2025, Kigali is not just the capital of Rwanda — it’s the centre of the cycling world.  In its 103-year history, this is a first: UCI bringing the Road World Championships to Africa. That alone makes it a moment to soak in. 

The terrain adds to the drama. Routes packed with climbs, winding through Kigali’s hills, challenging even seasoned riders. The men’s elite road race is set to include over 5,400 metres of elevation gain across 267.5 km — many say one of the toughest courses in modern Worlds history. 

What’s Going On & Who To Watch

• The competition opens with the time trials (elite women and men), which take place in the heart of the city starting at BK Arena and finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre.  
• There is a brand-new standalone Under-23 Women’s road race this year — another historic first.  
• Stars like Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogačar are among those expected to battle it out — in time trials, road races, and for the coveted rainbow jersey.  

What It’s Like Being Here

Walking the streets of Kigali, hearing multiple languages, seeing flags from dozens of countries, and witnessing fans gathering at vantage points along the route — it’s more than a sporting event. It feels like a cultural moment, a gathering of people from all over to celebrate athleticism, endurance, and community.

Each steep climb, cobbled street, and winding turn isn’t just part of the race route — it tells a story. Of Rwanda’s beauty, its ambition, and its emergence on the world stage. The hills aren’t easy, but that only makes every success, every roar at the finish line, more meaningful.

How You Can Follow It

If you’re not in Kigali but want to follow along:

• Check the official website for schedules, maps, broadcast information, and more. UCI Kigali 2025 Official Website  
• The UCI site and cycling media outlets are also covering previews, live updates, and stories about the riders.  

There’s something profound about being in Kigali during this event — the convergence of sport, culture, and history. It reminds us that landmarks aren’t just in buildings or monuments, but in moments shared by people who believe in pushing boundaries.

Kigali Rainy Season Begins

Kigali Rainy Season Begins

September 15, 2025

This afternoon, the skies over Kigali suddenly shifted. What began as a few gray clouds quickly turned into heavy rainfall, and before long, a thunderstorm started to roll in. The sound of thunder echoing through the hills and the steady downpour against the windows felt like the unmistakable sign that the rainy season is finally beginning.

It’s always fascinating how quickly the weather can change here. One moment, the sun is shining and the air is still, and the next, the sky opens up with an intensity that reminds you of nature’s rhythm and power. The rain brought with it a refreshing coolness and that earthy scent that only comes after a true downpour.

I can’t help but feel a bit of excitement at the start of the season. The rains mean lush greenery, new growth, and a reminder that life in Kigali moves in harmony with these cycles. The storms may sometimes feel overwhelming, but they also carry with them a certain calm and renewal.

Today’s storm feels like the first chapter of what will be many rainy afternoons ahead.

Chasing the Blood Moon: Photographing the September 7th, 2025 Lunar Eclipse in Kigali

 Chasing the Blood Moon: Photographing the September 7th, 2025 Lunar Eclipse in Kigali

On the night of September 7th, 2025, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of my photography journey—capturing the lunar eclipse and blood moon right here in Kigali, Rwanda.

As the Earth’s shadow slowly crept across the moon, transforming it into a glowing red orb, I could hardly contain my excitement. It’s one thing to witness a lunar eclipse with your eyes, but it’s something else entirely to capture it through the lens and preserve that magic forever.

For this shoot, I used my Nikon Z6 paired with the Tamron 150-600mm lens. The setup gave me the perfect reach and clarity to lock onto the moon’s details while still showing off that deep, coppery glow that makes the blood moon so spectacular.

The night sky was remarkably clear in Kigali, which made conditions just right for photographing the eclipse. I spent hours outside—setting up, adjusting my tripod, experimenting with different settings, and just soaking in the wonder of it all. Each click of the shutter felt like I was freezing a piece of history.

What made this night truly special was not just the technical challenge of shooting the eclipse, but the privilege of witnessing such a breathtaking cosmic event from this corner of the world. Kigali’s calm skies and quiet night added a sense of peace and awe that I’ll never forget.

Astrophotography is never just about the photos—it’s about the experience, the stillness, and the reminder of how vast and beautiful the universe really is. And this night reminded me why I love chasing the moon and stars through my lens.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and even more thrilled that I was able to capture and share these moments. Here’s to many more nights under the stars, camera in hand. 🌕✨

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📸 Technical Details

For those curious about the settings I used on my Nikon Z6 + Tamron 150-600mm setup during the eclipse:
    •    Mode: Manual
    •    Focal Length: ~600mm
    •    Aperture: f/6.3
    •    Shutter Speed: 1/80 – 1/125 sec (varied depending on the eclipse phase)
    •    ISO: 800 – 1600
    •    White Balance: Auto, later fine-tuned in post
    •    Tripod: Essential for stability at long focal length
    •    Remote Shutter Release: To avoid camera shake

The key to photographing a lunar eclipse is balancing exposure—you want to capture the dim red glow of totality without blowing out the brighter edges as the shadow shifts. I bracketed several exposures throughout the night to make sure I caught the full range of tones.