As Kigali edges closer to a historic moment of hosting the UCI Road World Championships for the very first time, Team Rwanda riders have promised to show strong show and leave a mark on the global stage.
Xaverine Nirere, who will contest in the women’s elite category, is preparing for her third World Championship after competing in England (2023) and Switzerland (2024).
"Both races are different from this one. To me, I feel more confident competing in front of my home crowd. This also gives hope to Rwandan women that they can achieve bigger milestones,” Nirere told Times Sport.
Team Rwanda comprises 34 riders including 21 men and 13 women set to compete in both road race and Time Trials. They will race in various categories including men’s and women’s elite, U23 Men and U23 Women as well as U19 Men’s and Women.
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At 17 years, Jackson Nkurikiyinka is one of the youngest Rwandan riders to watch as he looks to impress the world of cycling on his first appearance at the global stage.
"Honestly, I didn’t see this coming. The fact that it is my first selection in the national team as a junior rider shows the confidence the coaches and the nation have in me. My mind is entirely focused on competing against the best and show what I can offer to this game,” Nkurikiyinka said.
The majority of the riders on the roster are going to compete in the UCI Road World Championships.
Former cyclist turned massage therapist and yoga instructor, Obed Ruvogera, and assistant coach Nathan Byukusenge continue to contribute to the youthful contingent which is aiming to achieve greater heights.
For Ruvogera, massage refreshes riders after their toughest moments in the race, and he hopes to inspire young riders by showing that pain comes with success.
"To me, I see how stretched a rider’s body becomes after a long run. I know they need my services. No matter how painful it feels, it is special for this UCI Championship. I encourage them to focus on winning, no matter who is against them,” he said.
The coaching staff also believe they have done their job and hopes are high that they can impress on their home terrain although it had not been the case for some who previously competed at the same event.
"We have no doubt in our junior squad. Cycling enthusiasts may wonder why, but many of the senior and Under-23 riders are already used to racing at that level. For most of our juniors, this will be their first appearance, which puts them in tougher conditions at this World Championship, though we still have faith in them,” said Rwanda assistant coach Felix Sempoma.
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Expect surprises
While Rwandan riders may be underdogs compared to the global super star who are coming to Kigali for the race, Rwanda cycling governing body (Ferwacy) Vice President Valentin Bigango has called on Rwandans to cheer for their very own and support them during the race.
That way, he said, Rwanda may surprise the world.
"Expect surprises from our Under-23 and mostly our junior riders,” Bigango said during a media visit to Team Rwanda’s camp on Tuesday, September 16.
Bigango said that hosting the championships is not just a win for Kigali and Africa at large as hosts, but also a big opportunity for Rwandan cyclists to put the nation’s cycling on the map.
"Hosting and participating in the UCI Championship is huge. Since our Tour du Rwanda was upgraded from 2.2 to 2.1 category, we haven’t had the chance to win it. I believe Team Rwanda is ready, and under favorable conditions, this will also help them raise their pace in regional races,” Bigango emphasized.
Team Rwanda has been training in Bugesera, having left the hilly terrain of Musanze to be closer to the host city which sits at an altitude of 1,850 meters.