"Cycling milestone achieved by Rwanda's genocide survivor: A man who left an indelible mark"
In the heart of Rwanda, later this month, the country will make history as the first African nation to host the UCI's 125-year-old road cycling World Championships. This momentous occasion is closely tied to one man – Adrien Niyonshuti, the nation's most successful cyclist and the only rider from Rwanda to ever compete at the WorldTour.
Born in Rwamagana, eastern Rwanda, Niyonshuti's life took a dramatic turn when he was just seven years old. The Rwandan genocide began in April 1994, and Niyonshuti, along with his parents and six of his brothers, found themselves hiding among trees near their family home. Tragically, six of Niyonshuti's brothers did not survive.
Cycling became a form of therapy for Niyonshuti, a way to escape the horrors of his past. He inherited his uncle's steel bike at the age of 16 and found solace in the sport. His uncle, Emmanuel Turatsinze, was a well-known cyclist in Rwanda, and it was his encouragement that led Niyonshuti to start cycling.
Niyonshuti's first taste of competitive cycling came in 2004 with the Tour of Rwanda. His career took a significant leap forward in 2008 when he won his national stage race, an achievement he credits with "opening the door to becoming a professional rider."
In 2009, Niyonshuti signed for MTN Energade, a team that would later morph into MTN Qhubeka and then WorldTour-level Dimension Data. He remained with the team throughout his professional career, a testament to his dedication and talent.
Niyonshuti's hard work paid off when he qualified for the 2012 London Olympics in the mountain bike event, becoming Rwanda's first ever mountain biker at the Games. Although his finishing position was 39th, the achievement was a significant milestone for Rwandan sports. Niyonshuti was again honored as Rwanda's flagbearer at the 2016 Rio Olympics opening ceremony, a moment of great pride for the nation.
In 2016, Niyonshuti also qualified for the road race at the Rio Olympics. His career highlight, however, was undoubtedly the moment he held the Rwandan flag at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.
Niyonshuti's dedication to cycling extended beyond his own career. In 2015, he began working for the World Cycling Centre and founded his own cycling academy. The academy launched its own Continental squad in 2020, but unfortunately, it was short-lived due to the Covid pandemic.
Niyonshuti retired from professional cycling in 2018 with four national titles to his name. Today, he is working as the head coach of the Benin national squad, continuing to inspire the next generation of African cyclists.
As Rwanda prepares to host the road cycling World Championships, it is the story of Adrien Niyonshuti that encapsulates the spirit of resilience, determination, and hope that the country embodies. His journey from hiding among trees during the genocide to becoming Rwanda's most successful cyclist is a testament to the power of sport as a force for healing and transformation.
This article was first published on our magazine on September 11, 2025.
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