Uwizeyimana joins Canada’s Lowestrates.Ca cycling team

Team Rwanda cyclist Bonaventure Uwizeyimana has joined Canada’s Lowestrates.Ca cycling team just a week after winning the ‘Race to Remember’, the third race on this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup.

Monday, May 29, 2017
Uwizeyimana on his way to win the 'Race to Remember', the third race on this year's Rwanda Cycling Cup. / Sam Ngendahimana

Team Rwanda cyclist Bonaventure Uwizeyimana has joined Canada’s Lowestrates.Ca cycling team just a week after winning the ‘Race to Remember’, the third race on this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup.

The development was confirmed on Sunday by his new club, which released a statement on their website announcing that the former Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider has joined them but without disclosing his contract details.

However, like most of his compatriots, who joined professional teams before him, he is expected to be given an initial one year.

The reigning national champion, who left Kigali on Sunday to Canada, will be will be on the starting line when LowestRates.ca starts the International Grand Prix de Saguenay and the Tour de Beauce, two International Cycling Union (UCI)-sanctioned races, which will be held in June.

Commenting on his arrival, team LowestRates.ca General Manager Frédérick Gates said that, "I had discussed the possibility of inviting a Rwandan rider to join my team with the Team Rwanda programme during our visit in Rwanda last November.”

"The project was formalised last week. "BONA” is a complete cyclist. He climbs well and has the ability to finish strong in the sprint. He has good international racing and life experience. I have no doubt that he will contribute to the success of our team,” he stated.

Lowestrates.ca were among the teams that debuted at last year’s Tour du Rwanda and had a very strong maiden campaign with their own Timothy Rugg winning the 3.3km prologue before clinching the third stage also known as the ‘Kivu-Belt’.

The former Club Benediction rider Uwizeyimana was released towards the end of last year by Dimension Data along with his compatriot and 2016 Tour du Rwanda winner, Valens Ndayisenga. They were replaced by the duo of two rising stars Joseph Areruya and Samuel Mugisha.

In March, Ndayisenga joined Austria UCI continental team of Tirol Cycling Team while Uwizeyimana has been riding for his home club Benediction de Rubavu.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw