Team Rwanda head coach Felix Sempoma still believes that, despite local riders struggling to make an early impact at the Tour du Rwanda, the experience gained from competing at a higher level will prove vital for future success. The last time a Rwandan rider won a stage at the Tour du Rwanda—since the race was upgraded to UCI 2.1 status—was in 2022, when Moise Mugisha claimed a memorable victory on the final stage. ALSO READ: Zomermaand takes yellow jersey after Stage 3 victory in Rusizi For Sempoma, whose coaching journey began when the race joined the UCI calendar as a 2.2 event in 2009, the absence of recent stage wins reflects the growing competitiveness of the race rather than a decline in local talent. “Rwandans used to be regulars on the podium, but the competition today is very different from what it was in the past,” the 55-year-old tactician told Times Sport. “Winning now requires better preparation and consistent high-level exposure. We are working hard, but the level of competition matters. Even so, there are clear signs that our riders can return to the podium in the future.” Sempoma highlighted the strength of outfits such as Israel’s NSN Development Team, which has already produced two stage winners in this year’s edition—Pau Soriano Martí and Itamar Einhorn, the latter winning the opening stage. “That team can estimate its chances of winning at around 70 percent based on results from more than five races they competed in within a single month,” Sempoma explained. “Team Rwanda had a three-month training camp and raced at the Tour of Sharjah in February before this event, but the exposure gap is still significant.” According to the coach, hosting a high-level race on home soil does not guarantee automatic victories. However, he insists the long-term benefits outweigh short-term setbacks. “Accepting the changes in competition level is important. Our riders are gaining experience. Last year, Vainqueur Masengesho finished seventh overall, which was a strong performance,” he noted. As the race heads into Stage Four, Samuel Mugisha is currently the highest-placed Rwandan rider, sitting 10th overall, 43 seconds behind stage winner Jurgen Zomermaand. ALSO READ: Spain's Pau Martí sprints to Stage 2 victory in Huye “This progress may take time, but it is convincing when you consider where we started,” Sempoma added. Developing champions Over more than 12 years in coaching, Sempoma has played a key role in shaping several riders who have excelled on the continental stage. His most memorable achievement came in 2018 when Joseph Areruya made history by becoming the first Rwandan to win La Tropicale Amissa Bongo—then the most prestigious race on the UCI Africa Tour. Beyond Areruya’s triumph, Sempoma has worked with some of Rwanda’s most celebrated cyclists, including former Tour du Rwanda winners Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Samuel Mugisha, as well as Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Nathan Byukusenge and Janvier Hadi, who have since retired. “I always feel proud to have contributed to the growth of these talents,” he said. “But the work continues, because there are still many talented riders to be discovered.” Trust local coaches Sempoma took over as head coach after Frenchman David Louvet ended his contract with the national team following the UCI Road World Championships in September 2025. At the time, Samson Ndayishimiye, president of the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), emphasized the importance of trusting local coaching capacity. For Sempoma, collaboration remains essential. “Cycling constantly evolves with new tactics and approaches,” he said. “Skill development is crucial. There is no rush to stop working with foreign coaches—we can still learn from their philosophy and tactical understanding to improve our results.”
