Soudal-QuickStep has withdrawn from the upcoming Tour du Rwanda amid escalating safety concerns linked to conflict in the Goma region of the DRC. Scheduled for February 23 to March 2, the event is significantly close to Goma, with some stages merely 15 km away in Rubavu. CEO Jurgen Foré emphasized his riders' safety as a priority, referencing guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The presence of M23 rebels has raised apprehensions, not only for this race but also for the future UCI Road World Championships in Kigali in 2025.
We do not want to make any political statements. As in every conflict, there will be a deeper cause. We started looking at the advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
We looked at the situation yesterday. The start and finish in the risk area, where our hotel is also located, did worry us a bit.
In the end, we made the decision not to send 20 people there if there was no absolute guarantee that this could be done safely.
The developing conflict in the area has not only raised a concern for the Tour du Rwanda but also for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships scheduled to take place in Kigali.
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