Every afternoon in Bugesera, as young riders roll into the Field of Dream for training, one bicycle tells a deeper story than speed and gears. It is the story of Jacqueline Uwamahoro, a mother whose belief in her daughter’s dream became the turning point in a young cyclist’s journey. Her first-born daughter, Claudine Ahishakiye, a junior rider with Bugesera Cycling Team, once showed steady promise. But as school demands intensified and training sessions stretched to five days a week, her performance began to decline, not because of lack of talent, but because of distance and exhaustion. Unlike most of her teammates who study near the club’s headquarters, Ahishakiye attends school far from the Field of Dream, making it increasingly difficult to balance education and training. Seeing the struggle, Uwamahoro acted. She bought her daughter a bicycle worth Rwf180,000, a decision that quietly restored consistency, confidence, and hope. “It was difficult because her teammates study near Field of Dream, while her school is far,” Uwamahoro said. “I love cycling myself, so I didn’t hesitate. I just wanted to help my daughter’s dream come true.” ALSO READ: What you need to know about Tour du Rwanda 2026 Bugesera Cycling Team is a youth development club nurturing 180 young riders, but equipment remains scarce. The club has only 50 mountain bikes and 23 road bikes, making it impossible to provide every rider with consistent access. According to club president Liliane Kayirebwa, lending Ahishakiye a bike would have come at the cost of other riders. “Our training field is in Ntarama Sector, while she lives in Nyamabuye Sector, it’s a long distance,” Kayirebwa explained. “If we had given her a bike, it would have denied at least eight other riders the chance to train.” Uwamahoro’s decision did more than support her daughter, it eased pressure on the team and demonstrated the critical role parents play in youth sport. At the 2025 Play Day Race, part of the youth development competitions under the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) calendar, she finished third in the junior category, earning a third-place medal behind Ancille Uwase Uwizeyimana and Immaculée Izabayo. For Ahishakiye, the medal represented more than competition, it was gratitude made visible. “This medal is the fruit of my mother’s sacrifice,” she said. “Training became easier once she decided to support me. That’s why I’m here.” The Play Day Race is organised under the Power to Pedal project, which trains 108 girls and 72 boys aged between 12 and 19. The initiative complements the monthly Youth Racing Cup, while Play Day events are held four times a year. ALSO READ: Byusa, Nishimwe win 2025 Youth Racing Cup Kayirebwa says parental involvement is the backbone of such progress. “This project was created to keep our riders racing,” she said. “We cannot reach this level without parents. That’s why we recognised Uwamahoro to encourage others to support young riders who dream of raising their country’s flag.” For Uwamahoro, the lesson goes beyond sport. “Bicycles are part of our culture here in Bugesera,” she said. “Supporting my daughter strengthens that culture, but it also teaches her values, that doing the right thing opens doors.”
