In June 2014, Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) launched Africa Rising Cycling Centre (ARCC) in what was described by many as a landmark achievement for the country’s cycling development ambitions. The centre has been acting as home of Team Rwanda which has been playing a big role to place Rwanda among the top-rated countries in cycling and also winning trophies in Tour Du Rwanda and beyond. Besides contributing to the development of young Rwandan riders but those from neighboring countries, ARCC has set a significant ambition of becoming a regional cycling tourism destination while also continuing to train Rwanda’s best cycling talents. Times Sport’s Alexis Kayinamura caught up with the centre’s Managing Director Ruben Habarurema, and discussed the impact of the ARCC to Rwandan cycling in the past few years and its contribution to tourism in Rwanda. Take us through the Africa Rising Cycling Centre and what does the centre do? We provide Pro-cyclist and amateur training whether individual or team looking to come and spend quality time on a bike. ARCC has training programs and capacity to offer skills that can help them advance towards their goal while staying in a bike friendly home With one of the best bike shops in the region, the centre is also capable of training those who want a career in bike mechanics. What impact did the centre have on the promotion of Rwandan cycling? We started our operations in 2015 with the aim of developing young talents who can compete at the international level and since then I think we have achieved our biggest objective. Valens Ndayisenga, Joseph Areruya, Jean Bosco Nsengimana are among Rwanda’s elite riders who were raised at the centre. It also trained bike mechanics, cycling tourist guides and first aid training. The ARCC allows other African countries to send riders for high quality training which serves as a hub for African cycling growth. Musanze is one of Rwanda's key destinations for many tourists. How does cycling tourism fare in the area? After seven years doing talent development and national teams camping and training, we, at the centre, now target to become a home of cycling tourism in Rwanda, region and the continent at large. We had a cycling tourism project in the pipeline but COVID-19 hit our back. But, since the pandemic relaxed, things are getting better and we’ve resumed most of our projects. The cycling tourism is not common in Rwanda and in the region but ARCC is aiming to increase its dedication to it in Africa over the next few years. ARCC’s road bike and mountain bike tours are incorporated in the “Visit Rwanda” concept offering a variety of different tours that cater to all skill levels, from individual cycling trips to group riding. The centre provides a bucket list escapade that is a must to do, including a bike-guided tour and rental facility. It also offers a variety of different ability-level rides ranging from easy family rides to technical challenges. The duration of these tours would range from a couple of hours to trips that take multi-days. Does the centre have what it takes to host international cycling teams? The Center is attracting other teams that want to train in a country that offers the nicest climate conditions and diversified altitude conditions for endurance in cycling tournaments. Our centre will host two teams in this year’s Tour du Rwanda as it has always done. By now I don't know which teams, but we are informed that two teams will stay here after finishing the Musanze stage. We have the capacity of hosting five teams, many teams wish to stay here because this is the only cycling centre in Rwanda. Rwanda will host the 2025 UCI Road World Championship. What role is the centre going to play in the preparations? The preparations are in the hands of UCI, Ministry of Sports and FERWACY but we are looking forward to collaborating with everyone as it will be a national pride if the championship goes well. The Centre will continue to develop new talents as recommended by the cycling federation, then UCI, the Ministry and Ferwacy will take care of the rest.
