Dutch federation expresses concern around Road Worlds
The Dutch cycling federation is calling for changes in how World Championship venues are selected, saying that human rights concerns must be a factor in future decisions. Speaking to Trouw, KNWU managing director said the federation is "uncomfortable" with the Kigali venue, due to Rwanda's reported role in supporting a rebel insurgency in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
It's not enough to consider technical and logistical factors like the course or surrounding infrastructure, Leeser said. While saying it was "fantastic" for Worlds to take place in an African country, he added that "it would be good if other criteria, such as human rights, were given a more prominent place in that consideration. As a prominent cycling country, the Netherlands plays an important role in such a discussion." The Dutch federation, like several others, plans to send a reduced contingent to the race, citing both security and cost issues.
Separately, Rwandan cycling federation president Samson Ndayishimiye told Cycling Weekly that preparations are proceeding normally and security concerns won't be a factor. "This is Rwanda. It’s not DRC … We’ve made it clear that we can’t invite you or welcome you if you’re not going to be safe, because we won’t be safe ourselves," he said. "It’s been a few months and nothing has come up on that." Kigali Worlds has also received strong support from the UCI, with president David Lappartient saying there is "no plan B" for an alternate venue.
