Team Rwanda’s Bonaventure Uwizeyimana yesterday became only the fifth African rider to ever win a stage in La Tropicale Amissa Bongo tour, arguably Africa’s most competitive cycling race.The youngster won the 143-km Stage Five at the international race in Gabon – which attracted top riders from around the world – in an impressive three hours 16 minutes and 31 seconds.Even as the Tour continues, yesterday’s performance is worth recognition considering that Rwanda’s cycling is just a few years old and the riders not as experienced as most of their foreign competitors.It is yet another demonstration that Rwanda’s cycling has come of age. To Mr Uwizeyimana and his colleagues in Team Rwanda, we say congratulations upon their latest achievement.We encourage them to go on and register more milestones.La Tropicale Amissa Bongo came hot on the heels of the 2013 Tour of Rwanda which took place in November. During last year’s edition, 19-year old Valens Ndayisenga became the youngest Rwandan rider to ever win any stage in Tour of Rwanda – after winning the grueling 151.2-kilometre Rwamagana-Musanze leg in an incredible four hours, six minutes and 44 seconds.Later, he was recognised as the most promising rider in the competition.At this pace, Rwanda’s cycling future looks increasingly bright. Kudos to all those who are working hard behind the scenes to make this happen.Members of Team Rwanda offer big lessons to other Rwandan athletes and teams in various disciplines. They are proof that with hard work, commitment and consistency you can achieve what you’ve set your sights on.
