Rwanda and the World Championships next September, the first in African territory, continue to be in the spotlight. A virtual meeting was held yesterday between the UCI, the World Championships organizing committee in Kigali, and the cycling federations of individual countries. The meeting was opened by Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire who thanked the participants, explaining the importance of a World Championship in Africa and reassuring everyone about the government's proximity to participating countries and the willingness to resolve various issues.

For Italy, team manager Roberto Amadio was present, who wanted to reassure us about the political situation in Rwanda, but also highlighting that, due to currently very high costs, Italy might also opt for a reduced national team.

"I could see that about 120 people were present at the meeting and there were both UCI representatives and the World Championship Organizing Committee, and they said there is no reason to think about a possible cancellation of the event. Many participants were present, but UCI President David Lappartient was missing. We were told that Rwanda is available to help us address any type of problem, but we did not discuss numbers or how potential assistance might arrive. The crucial point is the costs that can create difficulties for many nations. On their part, there is availability to collaborate with airlines that have direct flights from Brussels and Amsterdam, but we have no idea what the costs will be and everything is still to be verified."

Roberto Amadio had already received quotes, and they were talking about approximately $200 per night, which becomes $400 for a double room in hotels suitable for hosting teams, meaning those that can meet hygiene and comfort standards, without necessarily resorting to luxury facilities.

"Italy has not yet booked hotels. We had received quotes, but we remained on hold waiting to see the indications given in this meeting. It is clear that now we must better define what needs to be done."

Rwanda has shown particular attention to countries with greater difficulties, such as those in South America. There was talk of reductions, but the figures have not yet emerged, although the Italian manager is quite optimistic.

"The organizing committee said it will make itself available to those who have difficulty finding hotels at advantageous prices. Regarding the Italian case, based on the numbers we will have, we will decide how many people to bring. The quotes we received were shocking, with figures significantly higher than the trip to Australia in 2022. I think few nations have confirmed hotels and perhaps for this reason prices might decrease. There is a person on-site who is taking care of us, and we are waiting to see."

There was much discussion about the health aspect, and in this sector, there were many reassurances.
"Regarding yellow fever, we were told there are no cases, but clearly they recommend doing the treatment for yellow fever, malaria, and tetanus to protect themselves. It's right to do so to avoid potential problems. For malaria, which is contracted through mosquito bites, being at altitude we should not have problems. In the Kigali area, mosquitoes should not be present. Then, of course, our doctors will intervene on the health aspect and will decide the best approach."

Amadio explained that vaccines do not require long times and can be done even a month before departure. For malaria, for example, prophylaxis begins a week before with the prevention protocol, while for yellow fever, a month in advance is more than sufficient and lasts for years.

"In the handbook they gave us, everything is written. They recommend not touching animals, avoiding contact with various agents that might be unclean, and being careful with water. They do not have cases of particular diseases, and in Kigali, they have large, very modern hospitals where all critical issues can be addressed. We will be based in Kigali, so the risks are truly minimal."

Meetings like this always occur before a World Championship, and meetings between nations, the UCI, and the organizing committee were also held before Glasgow and Zurich. Therefore, this meeting should not be seen as a critical issue.

"For the UCI and the Rwanda government, the World Championship is not in question. We will also have logistical support with the provision of a vehicle, and then we should rent a series of vehicles, and the organization has made itself available to help us source them. I saw that each sector has an organizational part that supports us. They should also facilitate us at customs, where it will be sufficient to make a declaration with a form that will be given to us before the World Championships."

The main problem remains flights and hotels, with significant costs for extra baggage such as bikes and support material: and if prices are not scaled down, the Azzurri will go with fewer riders than usual, although all categories will be guaranteed.

"We are studying a logistics plan and will move with the organizers, rather than with agencies, because it is safer. If they manage to organize a charter flight, especially for extra baggage, it will become a great saving for us because it significantly impacts such a trip. If one thinks about bikes, which are all oversized, the cost is really high. Regarding the people we will bring, the setup is to have a complete male and female national team in the elite and then bring 3 under and 3 juniors for men and women. But we have to see if we can increase these numbers, and there will also be significant reductions in staff, and those who come will be available to everyone, from juniors to professional men and women. To follow this group, we need six mechanics and six masseurs, but we must wait to see if there will really be a significant drop in prices, because at the moment no numerical data has been given to us."