WITH two weeks before he officially joins his South African based professional team, young rider Janvier Hadi is determined to make the best of his dream.
WITH two weeks before he officially joins his South African based professional team, young rider Janvier Hadi is determined to make the best of his dream.The 21-year old Team Rwanda rider signed a one-year contract to ride for Team UCI Continental Center South Africa, which starts on January 15.He becomes only the second Rwandan rider to turn professional after Adrien Niyonshuti, who rides for another South African team MTN Qhubeka.In an interview with this paper yesterday, the youngster said, "I am really happy to become a professional rider and to join such a prestigious team is such a blessing to me.” "I am looking forward to doing the best I possibly can. I know it will be very difficult but I am ready to challenge myself at the highest level and help my new team do well in every competition” the 21-year-old told Times Sport.He added, "This is another big step in my career, which shows that I am progressing well and heading in the right direction. I am sure I will become even better riding for a big team, it’s just the start of my professional career and I intend to make the best of it.” "It is not about only me, but also the country Team Rwanda and the young upcoming riders. I need to inspire more Rwandan riders to follow in my foot steps as Adrien (Niyonshuti) did for me, he inspires me,” he noted.He follows in the footsteps of Team Rwanda skipper Niyonshuti, who was the first Rwandan to go pro in 2009 after securing a professional contract with Team MTN Energade.Hadi will sign an initial one-year contract and will be among 10 African cyclists, who will be in UCI Continental Team in 2013 season.Niyonshuti will make further history this year when he becomes the first ever Rwandan professional rider in the European peloton as Team MTN-Qhubeka prepares to register as a UCI Pro Continental team.