When Jean-Marie Vianney Gahemba first mounted a bicycle in 1986 as a child, cycling in Rwanda, and much of Africa – was little more than a pastime. In most countries, roads were rough, bikes were heavy, and owning one was a luxury. Bicycles were primarily used for transport by those who could afford them. In Rwanda at the time, few could imagine that cycling would one day evolve into a sport capable of placing the nation on the global stage. But for Gahemba, who was born and raised in Uganda before returning to Rwanda, the simple joy of pedaling quickly became a lifelong passion. Decades later, that passion not only shaped his personal journey but also laid the foundation for a new generation of cyclists – including his son, Joseph Areruya, widely regarded as Rwanda’s most decorated rider. Today, as Rwanda prepares to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the first time the event will be held in Africa, Gahemba’s story stands as a symbol of how far the country has come. ALSO READ: Cycling legends reflect on Kigali’s UCI world championships His journey is one of perseverance, family legacy, and national transformation. From humble beginnings to producing champions and earning international recognition, cycling has become both a symbol of Rwanda’s resilience, and a vehicle for its global ambitions over the past two decades. Early beginnings on fragile ground Gahemba remembers the early days of his cycling journey not as a pursuit of medals, but as a simple love for the sport. “Back then, cycling was just a passion,” he says. “We didn’t think of it as a career or something that could provide a livelihood. We simply enjoyed the feeling of riding – the joy, the energy of competing.” That passion began to take a more serious turn in 1989. A decade later, Gahemba earned the chance to represent Rwanda internationally, competing in South Africa in 1999. It was a significant milestone, both for him and for a country still healing from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda was still fragile. Its athletes trained and competed with limited resources and outdated equipment. But the moment was not without hope. Before the team left for South Africa, Gahemba recalls receiving a powerful message from President Paul Kagame. “He told us, ‘You’re going to face strong nations with better resources. But don’t give up. Even if others have more advanced equipment, use what you have and compete with courage.’ Those words gave us strength,” he says. Despite the odds, Gahemba finished among the top riders in Africa, a breakthrough performance that offered more than personal pride. “It showed us that Rwanda could gain recognition through cycling, even as the country was still rebuilding,” he says. ALSO READ: Hosting UCI Championship is a moment of pride, say Rwandan legends That moment became a turning point, not just in Gahemba’s career, but in the story of Rwandan cycling itself. Building a family tradition For Gahemba, cycling has never been just a personal pursuit, it became a way of life that naturally extended to his family. “My children grew up watching me ride, and some of them developed the same passion,” he says. One of them, Areruya, would go on to become one of Rwanda’s most celebrated cyclists, winning prestigious races such as La Tropicale Amissa Bongo and the Tour du Rwanda. “Joseph started very young, he was just five years old,” Gahemba recalls proudly. “By the age of 15, he was already competing seriously.” Another son, Barnabé Gahemba, is also following in the footsteps of his father and older brother. He recently finished second in the Heroes Cycling Race, one of Rwanda’s most symbolic national competitions. For Gahemba, watching his sons succeed brings a profound sense of pride and continuity. “It’s a joy to see them carrying forward what I started,” he says. “Cycling isn’t just a sport for us, it is part of our family’s identity.” From broken roads to professional circuits The Rwanda of the late 1990s and early 2000s bore little resemblance to the country cyclists train in today. Roads were rough, equipment was scarce, and professional structures were virtually non-existent. But as Rwanda rebuilt itself, the sport of cycling grew alongside the nation’s development. “When I started, we had very little – poor roads, limited bikes, and no proper support systems,” Gahemba recalls. “But as the country developed, so did the sport. Rwanda’s progress after the Genocide also lifted sports. Roads improved, infrastructure was built, and cycling clubs, and federations were established,” he adds. ALSO READ: Areruya wins 4th stage of La Tropicale Amissa Bongo This transformation allowed cycling to evolve from a simple hobby into a viable professional career. Today, riders earn salaries, win cash prizes, and compete on professional circuits. “Some are paid millions of francs in bonuses and salaries. That shows how far we have come,” he notes. International partnerships also played a key role. From 2006 onwards, Rwanda began to benefit from global training opportunities and technical support. Foreign coaches arrived, local clubs became more organised, and young riders were given clearer pathways to reach the professional level. ALSO READ: Magnell to coach Skol Adrien Cycling Academy at Tour du Rwanda Discipline, mindset, and other hurdles Despite the remarkable progress, challenges remain. For Gahemba, the most pressing issue is not infrastructure, but discipline. “One of the biggest challenges is discipline and mindset,” he says. “Some young cyclists start well but lose focus because they think success comes quickly. They can get distracted by small earnings or early fame, instead of committing to long-term growth.” While Rwanda now boasts better roads and expanding infrastructure, certain regions still lack the facilities needed for elite-level training. Developing young talent, Gahemba believes, requires sustained investment in coaching, equipment, and structured development programmes. “If a child starts cycling today, he needs access to good coaching, proper equipment, and a clear pathway to professionalism,” he emphasises. There are also societal attitudes that continue to hinder progress. “Some people still do not fully recognise sport as a legitimate profession,” Gahemba says. “They see it as just a hobby. But if we want our athletes to compete on the global stage, sport needs to be treated with the same seriousness as any other career.” Rwanda on the world stage For Gahemba, the upcoming UCI Road World Championships represent far more than a cycling event - they symbolise Rwanda’s remarkable journey from a nation in recovery to a country capable of hosting a world-class sporting spectacle. ALSO READ: Kigali welcomes the world and inspires Africa’s next generation of cyclists “Hosting the UCI Road World Championships in 2025 is a historic moment,” he says with pride. “It will be the first time Africa hosts this event, and for those of us who started cycling when no one believed Rwanda could ever reach this stage, it’s truly a dream come true.” In the 1990s, Rwanda was virtually unknown in international cycling circles. Today, it is preparing to welcome the world’s best cyclists to its roads. “It shows how far the country has come – not only in sport, but in development as a whole,” Gahemba notes. “You can’t host an event of this scale without roads, hotels, and infrastructure. Rwanda has built all of that. Now, the world will see it.” The championships also hold deep personal meaning for him. “For the riders, it’s a chance to compete at home against the best in the world. For the youth, it’s inspiration – they will see that cycling can take them places. And for the country, it’s an opportunity to showcase tourism, attract investment, and build national pride.” ALSO READ: Pidcock leads Great Britains squad for UCI World Championships A message to the next generation Looking ahead, Gahemba’s advice to young riders is firmly rooted in discipline and commitment. He cautions against chasing quick fame or money, and instead emphasises the importance of perseverance and purpose. “My message to the young generation is: love the sport and commit fully,” he urges. “Don’t just think about quick money. Focus on discipline, training, and long-term goals. Use all your strength and heart, because opportunities don’t come twice.” For Gahemba, cycling is not only about personal success, it’s about responsibility and representation. “When you ride a bike, remember you’re not just pedalling for yourself,” he says. “You’re representing your family, your community, and your country.” Carrying the torch forward From pedalling on rough roads in Uganda and later Rwanda – to inspiring his sons to world-class victories, Gahemba’s journey mirrors the evolution of Rwanda itself. From humble beginnings and difficult struggles to steady transformation and global recognition. As the countdown to 2025 continues, his story serves as a powerful reminder that sport can be both a personal legacy and a national symbol. The wheels he set in motion decades ago now carry Rwanda toward the global stage, with a new generation ready to ride even further. A moment to shine As Rwanda gets ready to host the UCI Road World Championships from Sunday, September 21 to Sunday, September 28, 2025, the significance of the moment cannot be overstated for many. ALSO READ: Businesses should seize opportunity of the UCI Road World Championships For decades, African riders have had to chase opportunities in Europe and beyond, often without the support or infrastructure their competitors enjoyed. ALSO READ: Timeline: How Rwanda secured bid to host 2025 UCI Road World Champs Now, for the first time, the continent itself will be the stage, and Rwanda will be at the center of it. For Gahemba, and many of his generation, this event is about more than just racing – it is about validation. “When we started, people danced when we cycled,” he says with a smile. “It was entertainment, not a profession. Today, our children get paid, they win races abroad, and they carry the Rwandan flag.” To him, the UCI Championships mark a new chapter, a moment where the struggles of the past meet the promise of the future. But the race is also a test. Hosting the world means showing that Rwanda has the facilities, the organisation, and the athletes to stand alongside cycling’s greats. It means investing in talent at the grassroots level, making sure young riders have the discipline and support they need to thrive. It means building on the legacy of pioneers like Gahemba while tackling ongoing challenges like equipment, training, and resources. Beyond the medals and fanfare, Rwanda hosting this annual race sends a message: Africa is ready not just to participate but to take its place in world cycling. For the thousands of fans expected to line the roads in Kigali, and the millions watching around the world, it will be more than a show – it will be a symbol of how sport can transform a nation, despite the challenges. As the countdown to the championships continues, Gahemba sits in Mukarange with the quiet pride of someone who knows he was part of the beginning. His sons ride the same roads he once trained on, but their horizons are much broader. As Rwanda opens its doors to elite global riders, Gahemba says he could not be prouder of how far the sport has come.
