The newly elected president of the Rwanda Biking Federation (FERWACY), Hubert Nkurayija Ishimwe, has unveiled plans to introduce a Girls’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 Normal Meeting on Could 31 to steer FERWACY for the subsequent 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 world wide.
It has been 18 years for the reason that Tour du Rwanda gained worldwide standing. Whereas Rwanda launched the Rwanda Junior Tour two years in the past for riders beneath the age of 19, Nkurayija believes the time has come to create extra alternatives for ladies cyclists.
Certainly one of his prime priorities, he mentioned, is establishing a structured ladies's race alongside broader reforms aimed toward strengthening athlete growth.
“Our first venture is to ascertain a Girls's Tour of Rwanda,” Nkurayija mentioned. “This yr it is probably not on the UCI calendar, however by subsequent yr it is going to be. This isn’t solely about giving ladies a possibility, but additionally 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 dear 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 looking for management.
“I requested myself what contribution I might make. With the data I’ve gained and the individuals I’ve met, when the chance got here, I made a decision to method the members and share what I can obtain in 4 years.
“Tour du Rwanda is a serious occasion, and the way in which 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 duties.
“I want to thank Samson as a result of the individuals who labored with me trusted me,” he mentioned.
Street forward…
Concentrate on athlete growth
Whereas launching a Girls's Tour of Rwanda tops his agenda, Nkurayija acknowledges that the federation faces a number of different priorities over the subsequent 4 years.
Earlier than his election, he introduced a growth technique targeted on nurturing younger expertise, significantly riders aged between 19 and 23, whom he believes can kind the spine of a aggressive nationwide crew within the coming years.
“Each venture will need to have a powerful basis. In biking, the primary pillar is the athlete,” he mentioned. “An athlete is not only somebody sitting on a motorbike. You could perceive their coaching, self-discipline and total growth.”
He additionally desires to develop biking past the skilled ranks by encouraging wider group participation.
“We need 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.”
Adjustments to nationwide crew preparation
A former skilled bicycle owner himself, Nkurayija says he understands what athletes want to organize and carry out on the highest stage.
One of many main modifications beneath his management might be a revamped method to nationwide crew preparation, making certain riders have enough time to coach forward of main competitions.
“You can not put together a crew in three months,” he mentioned. “We now have 9 or 10 months. The purpose 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 change into 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 somewhat 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 a number of the race's conventional routes.
“We now have not had a real Queen Stage for a while. In 2027, we will need to have a 190- or 200-kilometre stage that may determine the race.”
Youth races and regional growth
The Subsequent Champions Race might be staged on the ultimate day of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda, with ambitions to increase it right into a three-day competitors in future editions.
“We are going to 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 one among Africa's main biking nations.
