The Tour of Ireland was the first big race I did in Europe. It was 2009 and I was so nervous to race in such a big peloton. Lance Armstrong was there making his comeback so there was so much attention on the race.
I was actually comfortable with my fitness but the thing I found the hardest was fighting in the wind, taking sharp narrow corners quickly and getting comfortable in the peloton.
That is the biggest thing riders from Africa need to learn quickly. It’s not that we don’t have the endurance or fitness, it’s just that we aren’t used to the pressure that comes from riding in a peloton with 200 strong riders in narrow roads with road furniture.
I’ve been spending some weeks in Belgian this year with a young team of Rwandan riders, getting them used to racing in European conditions. They are 16 – 18 years old and thanks to the support of some great people, they were able to fly to Europe and get used to racing here.
Watching them of course reminded me of my first time racing in Europe. How much I was suffering and how I had no idea how to race in the peloton.
I think it’s great for them to have me here and speak the same language as them and show them what I learnt all those years ago.
They almost surprised me by how strong they are, these boys have the power.
Of course, as I said, the biggest thing for African riders coming to race in Europe is to get used to feeling comfortable in the peloton.
For these young boys who come from Rwanda, it’s really important to have a mentor to explain how to feel more comfortable quickly. Once you’re comfortable in the bunch, it easier to get a result from there. In a peloton with 150 riders who are all strong is not something they are used to coming from Rwanda.
The years of experience I picked up will hopefully help fast track them. I feel so privileged to be able to help them because they will learn much quicker than if they were only being coached by someone speaking a different language and different culture they didn’t understand.
My level was good when I went to Europe for the first time. I feel like I could adapt quickly. I was 21 years old and at that age, I don’t think the general level in cycling was as high as it is now. Now you’re seeing young riders, 20, 21 years old winning in Grand Tours.
These young Rwanda riders are 16-17 years old and already finishing their first races. Then after four races they were already getting podiums. It shows me the young riders that are coming through are raising the level of cycling.
I actually got very emotional when I saw how well they were doing and how well they were adapting to racing in Belgium.
We’ve had some nice experiences. The Belgian federation had a dinner and the president acknowledged the boys at the dinner. He also twice came and supported the boys at the races and he’s stayed in touch to find out our progress.
This kind of collaboration is very important and motivates the riders. Collaboration between federation and countries is the recipe for success in the future.
I’m glad I get to play a small part in keeping the momentum of the development of African riders in Europe. I hope we will continue to get great support and collaborate with passionate people.
By the time the world championships go to Africa in 2025, we hope to have a real chance of getting onto the top step.
