Rwanda Cycling Federation has masterminded another victory. This time around through 25-year-old Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, fondly known as Bona, who won the 15th edition of Tour du Cameroun yesterday, to become the first Rwandan to win the annual UCI-rated race. Team Rwanda swept all three top honors, including the overall individual winner, the junior category winner – through Jean Paul Rene Ukiniwabo – and the team category winner. Uwizeyimana’s win means Rwandan cyclists have rode to victory in four out of five international races they have participated in since November last year. This impressive performance highlights Rwanda’s growing dominance in the sport on the continent, with the country having also produced the winners of recent editions of Tour La Tropicale Amissa Bongo (Gabon), inaugural Under-23 UCI Tour de l’Espoir (Cameroon) and Tour du Rwanda. The rise of Rwanda cycling becomes even more pronounced considering that the country’s cycling federation, FERWACY, came into existence only 10 years ago. Thanks in part to its organisational efficiency and visionary programmes, FERWACY has since made major milestones in its short history, raising the profile of the annual Tour du Rwanda race and helping turn Rwanda into a top cycling nation. Today, in Joseph Areruya, Rwanda boasts the continent’s highest rated rider, and the country is now ranked second in Africa, after Eretria. Yet the success of Rwanda cycling has not come by accident. Rather, it is the result of a meticulous effort that involves laying out and consistently pursuing a clear vision, promotion of youth structures, talent detection, and enhancement of professional management. Other national sports federations need look no further than FERWACY if they need a good example of how such entities can ably deliver on their mandates. Congratulations to Team Rwanda Cycling!
