The national men and women cycling teams on Thursday arrived in Australia as they get ready to represent the country at the 2022 UCI Road World Championships.

The global cycling race has been underway in Wollongong since Sunday, September 18 and is set to conclude on Sunday, September 25. Rwandan teams will compete on Friday and Sunday.

The riders arrived in Australia accompanied by head coach Felix Sempoma and cycling governing body Abdallah Murenzi who travelled to the country for the International Cycling Union (UCI) Congress.

The cyclists who are in Australia for the Road World Championship include Moise Mugisha and Eric Manizabayo who will compete in Elites race on Sunday, September 25 while Renus Byiza Uhiriwe and Emmanuel Iradukunda will represent the country in the U-23 men’s race which takes place on Friday, September 23.

Valentine Nzayisenga is the lone female rider representing Rwanda at the championship and will compete in the Women’s Elite race slated Saturday, September 24.

Rwanda initially wanted to feild at least 10 representatives at the race but only half of them were able to participate while others missed out due to visa related issues.

Hence, Women Junior riders Aline Uwera and Djazila Umwamikazi, Hashimu Tuyizere and Janvier Shyaka who were expected to compete in the men’s junior category as well as women elite Jacqueline Tuyishime and Diane Ingabire all missed out on the championship after failing to land visa to Australia.

Issuance of visas was tightened against Rwandan riders days after Samuel Mugisha was reported missing shortly after landing in Maryland, United States on September 4, where he was due to ride for South African Cycling side ProTouch at the 2022 Maryland Cycling Classic race.

About 1,000 athletes from different countries worldwide are competing at the ongoing 2022 UCI Road World Championships.

In February, the UCI announced that a Women’s U23 category will be added to the road and time trial race. The title will be awarded from within the elite women’s event and a separate race will be added from 2025.