Sempoma drops duo from Team Rwanda roster ahead of UAE race

Team Rwanda head coach Felix Sempoma has trimmed his training camp roster to 10 riders after dropping Mike Uwiduhaye and Jeremie Ngendahayo during preparations in Musanze. The national team is gearing up for the Tour of Sharjah, scheduled for January 23–27 in the United Arab Emirates. The race will serve as an important assessment platform for Sempoma as he shapes his squad ahead of the Tour du Rwanda 2026, which is set to run from February 22 to March 1. ALSO READ: What you need to know about Tour du Rwanda 2026 Sempoma had initially selected a 12-man provisional squad that began early preparations for the Tour du Rwanda in December at the Africa Rising Cycling Centre in Musanze. However, following the festive season break, only 10 riders resumed training on January 5, with Uwiduhaye and Ngendahayo removed from the roster. The riders currently in camp are Eric Nkundabera, Shemu Nsengiyumva, Shadrack Ufitinema, Moise Mugisha, Samuel Niyonkuru, Jean de Dieu Manizabayo, Kevin Nshutiraguma, Eric Manizabayo, Roben Ikundabayo, and Didier Twagirayezu. Explaining his decision, Sempoma stressed that the exclusions were part of a competitive selection process rather than a judgment on the riders’ abilities. ALSO READ: What major sports events will Rwanda host in 2026? “The two were left out not because they are not good riders, but because I have to maximise opportunities by giving chances to others who have shown stronger performances so far,” Sempoma told Times Sport. “I am looking to select six riders for the Tour of Sharjah, while the remaining cyclists will continue training intensively in camp as we assess their potential for selection ahead of the Tour du Rwanda.” The Tour of Sharjah is a UCI 2.2-classified event on the Asia Tour calendar and features a demanding five-stage route held entirely within the United Arab Emirates. The race combines road stages, individual time trials and summit finishes, offering a comprehensive test of riders’ endurance and versatility. Sempoma, who recently took charge of the national team following the departure of French coach David Louvet at the end of his three-year contract, noted that several Rwandan riders currently competing for continental teams abroad have yet to join the camp. He added that the Sharjah race will provide valuable insight as he continues to refine his selections. A more intensive evaluation is expected once all riders rejoin the setup as preparations for the Tour du Rwanda intensify. The 11th edition of the Tour of Sharjah will feature seven national teams—United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Morocco, Tunisia, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia—alongside a strong field of UCI Continental, regional and club teams. Among the Continental teams set to compete are UAE Team Emirates Gen Z, Istanbul Büyükşehir Belediye Spor, Terengganu Cycling Team, Roojai Insurance, Kinan Racing Team, Li Ning Star, Universe Cycling Team, Factor Racing and Óbidos Cycling Team. Team Haute-Savoie will participate as a regional team, while club sides include Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, Shabab Al Ahli, Airwerks Racing Team, Dubai Residence Cycling Club, Dubai Police, Khorfakkan Cycling Club, Al Nasr and Qatar Pro Team.

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Sempoma drops duo from Team Rwanda roster ahead of UAE race