Rwanda’s most decorated cyclist Joseph Areruya believes that 2021 will be his most successful year yet as he embarks on a new chapter with his new club, Team Benediction Ignite. The 2017 Tour du Rwanda champion, along with his young brother Bernabe Gahemba, have joined the Rubavu-based Benediction Ignite cycling club after signing a three-year deal each on Saturday, January 2. Speaking to Times Sport, the 25-year-old star revealed that he is excited and ready to start this new journey which he thinks will open doors to more milestones. “I feel ready and enthusiastic to link up with my new teammates and race in my new club’s jersey, this year I believe I can surpass last year’s achievements,” he said. Areruya started his career at Les Amis Sportif de Rwamagana, after winning the Tour du Rwanda in 2017. He later went pro after signing for South Africa cycling club Dimension Data for Qhubeka. In 2019, he joined Delko–Marseille Provence KTM. “My dream is to go beyond this level, and take my club to another level in cycling races including Tour du Rwanda and I want to sacrifice whatever I have to achieve that,” he added The 25-year-old became the first cyclist from Rwanda to ride in the Paris–Roubaix road race when he took part in the 2019 edition. According to Benediction Ignite president Benoit Munyankindi, the club has signed one of the best riders in Rwanda. “We have signed Areruya and his brother for three years. We believe they will help us win many races in the future” Munyankindi said. “We are building a strong team which will be tough to beat in the future. Getting a solid and experienced rider like Areruya is a very great achievement on our side and I believe he will help us to raise the level of the young riders” he added Benediction Ignite team are one of the teams that will compete in the country’s most prestigious race-Tour du Rwanda. Some of the riders who will compete in this race are; Joseph Areruya, Patrick Byukusenge, Didier Munyaneza, Eric Manizabayo, Nzafashwanayo, Ivan Nkuruziza, and Bernabe Gahemba.
