The newly elected president of the Rwanda Biking Federation (FERWACY), Hubert Nkurayija Ishimwe, has unveiled plans to introduce a Ladies’s Tour of Rwanda as a part of efforts to advertise inclusivity and make sure the long-term growth of biking within the nation.
Nkurayija was elected by the Common Meeting on Could 31 to steer FERWACY for the following 4 years. He was the only candidate for the presidency.
ALSO READ: Nkurayija elected FERWACY President Unopposed
Earlier than his election, he served as coordinator of the Tour du Rwanda, the annual UCI 2.1 Africa Tour race that pulls males's groups from around the globe.
It has been 18 years because the Tour du Rwanda gained worldwide standing. Whereas Rwanda launched the Rwanda Junior Tour two years in the past for riders below the age of 19, Nkurayija believes the time has come to create extra alternatives for girls cyclists.
Certainly one of his prime priorities, he mentioned, is establishing a structured ladies's race alongside broader reforms geared toward strengthening athlete growth.
“Our first undertaking is to ascertain a Ladies's Tour of Rwanda,” Nkurayija mentioned. “This 12 months it might not be on the UCI calendar, however by subsequent 12 months it will likely be. This isn’t solely about giving ladies a possibility, but in addition about displaying that Rwanda is a developed sporting nation.”
Nkurayija spent simply six months as Tour du Rwanda coordinator earlier than deciding to pursue the FERWACY presidency, a transfer he says was impressed by the precious expertise he gained within the function.
“The boldness got here from organizing the Tour du Rwanda,” he mentioned, citing his long-standing involvement in biking as a key motivation for searching for management.
“I requested myself what contribution I might make. With the information I’ve gained and the individuals I’ve met, when the chance got here, I made a decision to strategy the members and share what I can obtain in 4 years.
“Tour du Rwanda is a serious occasion, and the best way it was organized gave me the boldness to tackle this accountability.”
Nkurayija additionally paid tribute to the outgoing management, led by former president Samson Ndayishimiye, for entrusting him with vital tasks.
“I want to thank Samson as a result of the individuals who labored with me trusted me,” he mentioned.
Street forward…
Give attention to athlete growth
Whereas launching a Ladies's Tour of Rwanda tops his agenda, Nkurayija acknowledges that the federation faces a number of different priorities over the following 4 years.
Earlier than his election, he introduced a growth technique centered on nurturing younger expertise, notably riders aged between 19 and 23, whom he believes can kind the spine of a aggressive nationwide group within the coming years.
“Each undertaking should have a powerful basis. In biking, the primary pillar is the athlete,” he mentioned. “An athlete is not only somebody sitting on a motorcycle. You will need to perceive their coaching, self-discipline and total growth.”
He additionally needs to develop biking past the skilled ranks by encouraging wider group participation.
“We wish to construct a group of biking lovers—financial institution executives, CEOs, mother and father—individuals who will encourage their youngsters to take up the game.”
Modifications to nationwide group preparation
A former skilled bicycle owner himself, Nkurayija says he understands what athletes want to arrange and carry out on the highest stage.
One of many main modifications below his management shall be a revamped strategy to nationwide group preparation, guaranteeing riders have adequate time to coach forward of main competitions.
“You can’t put together a group in three months,” he mentioned. “We now have 9 or 10 months. The objective is to not promise victory, however to enhance on the outcomes of the previous three years.”
He famous that whereas Rwanda has beforehand gained levels and particular person awards on the Tour du Rwanda, the long-term goal is to grow to be persistently aggressive for the general title by 2027.
Earlier Tour du Rwanda bulletins and harder routes
FERWACY additionally plans to announce future editions of the Tour du Rwanda sooner than in earlier years, starting in August slightly than ready till November or December.
“Groups plan their calendars in November. Late bulletins have an effect on participation,” Nkurayija defined.
He additionally revealed plans to introduce extra demanding levels whereas retaining among the race's conventional routes.
“We have now not had a real Queen Stage for a while. In 2027, we should have a 190- or 200-kilometre stage that may determine the race.”
Youth races and regional enlargement
The Subsequent Champions Race shall be staged on the ultimate day of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda, with ambitions to develop it right into a three-day competitors in future editions.
“We’ll begin with Rwandan groups, then invite East African groups in 2027, combining youth races with the Tour du Rwanda.”
Nkurayija believes these initiatives, mixed with better funding in athlete growth and girls's biking, will assist strengthen Rwanda's place as certainly one of Africa's main biking nations.
