Adrien Niyonshuti
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka
I have achieved many goals in my life. I am grateful for every one of them. It was my dream to race in the big peloton. First, it was to race in Africa, then in Europe.
The dream started in Rwanda when I was 14 years old. I was in a car with my uncle and brother. They took me to watch the Tour of Rwanda for the first time in 2001. I asked them how I could become a good cyclist like these guys. My uncle told me I was young and if I started now, I would be the champion of Rwanda one day.
That was when I started believing.
The race had three stages close to where I am from. One was from Kigali to Nyagatare, from Nyagatare to Ngoma and Ngoma back to Kigali. I watched those three stages and remember everything about them.
Three years later, I started the race in 2004. I was 16 years old. There were no rules to say I was too young to start. I finished the race seventh overall.
Adrien Niyonshuti proudly wears the Rwandan flag as the national champion in the time trial discipline. (Photo: Stiehl Photography)
My journey took me from Rwanda to South Africa where I had exposure to a higher level or racing with MTN-Qhubeka – both on the road and mountain bike.
Once we achieved what we set out in Africa, it was time to dream bigger. In cycling, that means one thing: Europe.
It was tough at first. We were not used to the little roads and big peloton but now, five seasons later, I have the confidence to race on the front of the peloton for my team and teammates. This is something I am very proud of. It has been something that has come with time and a lot of different experiences.
When I eventually end my career, representing Rwanda twice in the Olympic games will be one of my highlights. Achieving that in two disciplines – in mountain biking and road biking – is another thing I am proud of. My next dream is to ride a Grand Tour.
I wanted to achieve a lot for Rwandan cycling. In the last two years, four Rwandan cyclists have been to Europe because of the exposure I’ve had. Some of them have come through my academy. I’m really happy to have made a difference. This would never have happened if I didn’t meet some key people who helped me along the way. Jock Boyer, Kimberly Coats, Doug Ryder, Carol Austin and Nicole Allan…There is a big list and I’m afraid to name names because there are so many people I am grateful for and I don’t want to offend by not mentioning.
Adrien started the Adrien Niyonshuti Cycling Academy to help the next generation of Rwandan cyclists (Photo: Stiehl Photography)
My idea for an academy started in 2012. I was in Switzerland with Thomas Frischknecht who was helping me prepare for the Olympic games on the mountain bike. I did some Swiss Cup and World Cup races in Europe. I saw how many people were helping me and I thought if we can get that help back home, it would make a big difference. I spoke to some friends, and fortunately, they understood my idea and were happy to get involved.
This year we’ve lacked some funding which made it hard but I told myself we’ll never give up. I spoke to some friends who got a little bit of funding together for the Academy house. Other former teammates like Matt Brammeier posted shoes, kit and bikes to keep it going. I used this opportunity to inspire the Academy riders that you must never give up in the tough times, you must always keep going and push forward. Keep riding and they will achieve amazing things one day, I believe in them and their dreams. Some people will be happy for you and others won’t, but you just need to stay focussed and work hard.
Last modified: Jan 25, 2018
