Africa-Press – Rwanda. Team Rwanda head coach David Louvet has commended the performances of his riders over the first two days of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships which are underway in Kigali since Sunday, September 21.
The hosts’ standout performances came from Shemu Nsengiyumva, who finished 25th out of 55 riders in the men’s elite individual time trial (ITT), earning three points in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) ranking.
“Nsengiyumva did an amazing job. Finishing in the top 25 and directly securing three UCI points in his first-ever World Championships ITT race is a great achievement,” Louvet told Times Sport.
Louvet also expressed his admiration for Xaverine Nirere who delivered a strong race to finish as the first African woman in her category, and Martha Ntakirutimana, who placed 27th in the women’s under-23 ITT, finishing five minutes and 27 seconds behind gold winner winner Zoe Bäckstedt.
The coach added that he was impressed by the progress of Claudette Nyirarukundo, Samuel Niyonkuru, and Etienne Tuyizere, who all placed within the top 32 in the men’s under-23 ITT.
Louvet believes their performances will improve further in the upcoming road race, where teamwork will be a decisive factor.
His comments were echoed by Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president Samson Ndayishimiye who hailed the riders’ mindset and determination with a performance on the global stage that can inspire the new generation.
“They are not just trying; they are raising Rwanda’s national flag. This sends a strong message to young riders, which I consider an important part of the development process,” Ndayishimiye said.
The UCI World Championships continue on Tuesday, September 23, with the juniors’ time trial racing.
The 2024 men’s title went to France’s Paul Seixas, while the women’s crown was claimed by Britain’s Cat Ferguson, who has now moved up to the under-23 category.
Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho and Liliane Uwiringiyimana are among 47 riders expected to battle it out over a 13.6 km course. In the men’s junior ITT, Pacifique Byusa and Moïse Ntirenganya will race against 81 other riders from 56 countries across a 22.8 km distance.
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