Africa-Press – Rwanda. Bugesera’s cycling culture runs deep—woven into daily life, tradition, and mobility. In Ntarama Sector, that cultural identity is now being transformed into a structured pathway for young talent, as Bugesera Cycling Team (BCT) works to raise a new generation of riders.
Through grassroots engagement and strategic partnerships, BCT has become a development hub for young cyclists, especially women, nurturing riders from their earliest stages of growth.
At the heart of the team’s development model is the “Power to Pedals” program, launched in January 2025 and designed as a year-long initiative. The project currently supports 180 children aged between 11and 20 years. 60 percent of them are girls, drawn from Ntarama and surrounding sectors.
Unlike traditional sports recruitment, BCT emphasizes holistic growth. Rider selection for competitions involves reviewing school reports to ensure academic discipline and strong educational performance alongside sporting promise.
Apophia Cadette Murungi, one of the team leaders, said the district’s intimate connection with cycling makes youth development a natural fit.
“Cycling is a tradition in this district. In Bugesera, it’s common for brides to leave home with bicycles as part of their marriage journey. This has made bicycles present in nearly every household, helping children learn how to ride early because they use them daily,” Murungi explained.
“These children can compete in events like the Rwanda Youth Racing Cup and even reach national levels. But we also evaluate performance beyond the bike—academics, discipline, and consistency,” she added.
The team’s progress was on full display during the second annual Play Day cycling race, held on Sunday, November 30, at the Field of Dreams in Ntarama.
The event brought together BCT riders, parents, and local supporters.
Kevin Dukuzumuremyi emerged as the winner in the Under 19 boys’ category, followed by Jado Fils Tuyishimire and Innocent Bukuru who emerged second and third respectively.
In the girls’ category of the same age group, Ancille Uwase Uwizeyimana claimed victory, with Claudine Ahishakiye finishing second and Kelly Uwibambe taking third place.
In the Under-17 category, Emelyne Kanyange won the girls’ race and Jean d’Amour Ishimwe topped the boys’ competition while Régis Niyogisubizo and Sabrine Uwineza secured top finishes in U15 boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
Victory in the Under-13 races went to Alice Uwababyeyi (girls) and Gad Imfura Mugisha (boys) while Rodrigue Iradukunda (boys) and Divine Iradukunda (girls) led the way in the U11 category.
Top performers received nutritional and hygiene-focused prizes—including soap, toothpaste, and food items—aimed at reinforcing healthy habits, balanced diets, and personal care among young athletes.
The “Power to Pedals” cycling program is implemented in collaboration with several partners, including Bugesera District, Gasore Serge Foundation, Right To Play Rwanda, Cooko–Inkoko Koko, and the Israel Premier Tech Team, which will be rebranded as the NSN Cycling Team starting in 2026.
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