Rwanda cyclist Renus Uhiriwe says one of his targets is to win a major cycling race on African soil.

The 20-year-old cyclist who rides for South African cycling club Team Qhubeka finished in fifth place during stage one from Kigali to Rwamagana on Monday.

"My ultimate goal is to win races in Europe and then to graduate to the World Tour. But first is to win races in Africa – it would be a huge moment for Rwanda and also a big step in my cycling career. I could, potentially, be the first Rwandan to win a stage at the Tour du Rwanda since 2018," He said during an interview with South African media organisation, APO.

"I am extremely proud to represent my country – it means everything to me – and I have set myself a goal of winning a stage at the Tour du Rwanda which would be amazing for our country".

Uhiriwe further emphasized that he is looking up to the 2025 world cycling championship which will be held in Rwanda and he also advised young riders to work assiduously in order to make it in the sport.

"I really hope that I will be at the 2025 World Championships. That is my goal and my target. It would be amazing to race on my home roads in front of our incredible, proudly representing Rwanda. This will be an amazing moment for our continent and for cycling."

"Young riders need to work hard and to love what they do. For young African riders to have the opportunity to race in Europe is extremely important, so my message is that they need to focus and love racing their bikes." He added.

Uhiriwe won the 2019 African Continental Junior Champion in Ethiopia and also represented Rwanda at the UCI World Road Championships in Yorkshire, United Kingdom that same year.

He was given an award for being the best Rwandan during the Tour du Rwanda prologue on Sunday.