Some towns and cities on the seven-stage race's route are close to the country, where Rwandan-backed rebels are trying to expand their territory after capturing the key city of Goma.

Organisers of the February 23-March 2 race have said the fighting is unlikely to enter into Rwanda and that teams and supporters would be safe.

"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," Soudal-QuickStep's Chief Executive Officer Jurgen Fore told Belgium's state-funded sports website Sporza on Friday.

"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."

Rwanda's capital Kigali is also set to host this year's Road World Championships from 21-28 September.

--Reuters--