Pedalling Towards History.
Rwanda's Young Cyclists and the Road to the UCI World Championships.Photography and Interview by James Busby
This September, Rwanda will host the UCI Road Cycling World Championships – the first time the event will take place on African soil. It's a watershed moment for a country with an immense pool of young cycling talent that's ready to burst onto the global stage.
While shooting Race Around Rwanda, photographer James Busby captured a junior criterium race in Kigali, documenting the next generation of cyclists who represent the sport's future in Africa. These images showcase not just technical skill, but the passion and determination driving Rwanda's cycling revolution.
The decision to host the World Championships in Rwanda signals something profound: Africa's time in cycling has arrived.
While shooting Race Around Rwanda, photographer James Busby captured a junior criterium race in Kigali, documenting the next generation of cyclists who represent the sport's future in Africa. These images showcase not just technical skill, but the passion and determination driving Rwanda's cycling revolution.
The decision to host the World Championships in Rwanda signals something profound: Africa's time in cycling has arrived.
Q&A with Violette Neza
Violette Neza is a professional cyclist from Rwanda who rides for Ridley Racing Team. She's also the founder of Komera NEWCT, an initiative that organises gatherings for women to develop cycling skills and explore Rwanda together.
Violette Neza is a professional cyclist from Rwanda who rides for Ridley Racing Team. She's also the founder of Komera NEWCT, an initiative that organises gatherings for women to develop cycling skills and explore Rwanda together.
Rwanda is hosting the UCI Road World Championships this year – the first time the event will be held in Africa. What does that mean to you personally, and for Rwanda as a cycling nation?
"This moment is bigger than a race – it's history in motion. Seeing the world's biggest cycling stage come to the roads I've trained on fills me with pride. For Rwanda, it's recognition of how far we've come as a cycling nation. It opens a door for young riders to believe, 'If it can happen here, it can happen for me too.' This isn't just a race, it's a legacy being written."
"This moment is bigger than a race – it's history in motion. Seeing the world's biggest cycling stage come to the roads I've trained on fills me with pride. For Rwanda, it's recognition of how far we've come as a cycling nation. It opens a door for young riders to believe, 'If it can happen here, it can happen for me too.' This isn't just a race, it's a legacy being written."
What challenges have you faced as a cyclist from Rwanda?
Resources were scarce – bikes, kits, race opportunities – and as a woman, it was even more challenging. People didn't always believe cycling was for us. We had to prove ourselves every step. Those struggles shaped who I am, making me stronger and more determined. I was lucky to meet people who supported me, but the challenges were real."
Resources were scarce – bikes, kits, race opportunities – and as a woman, it was even more challenging. People didn't always believe cycling was for us. We had to prove ourselves every step. Those struggles shaped who I am, making me stronger and more determined. I was lucky to meet people who supported me, but the challenges were real."
How does it feel seeing young riders in Rwanda starting their cycling journey?
"It's beautiful. I see myself in them – those big dreams, little gear, and hearts full of hope. Watching them grow and believe in their potential is powerful. I know how hard the journey can be, but also how far it can take them. They give me hope for the future of Rwandan cycling."
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"It's beautiful. I see myself in them – those big dreams, little gear, and hearts full of hope. Watching them grow and believe in their potential is powerful. I know how hard the journey can be, but also how far it can take them. They give me hope for the future of Rwandan cycling."
Why should the global cycling community pay attention to African talent?
"Africa is full of untapped potential, raw talent, and pure determination. What makes our riders special is resilience – growing up with challenges yet still dreaming big. Many train on rough roads and climb steep hills daily. The world has only seen a glimpse of what Africa can offer. With proper support, world champions could come from our continent."
What makes Rwandan cyclists stand out?
"We ride not just with our legs, but with everything we've got – our stories, struggles, and dreams. We come from a country of hills and resilience where our terrain shapes our strength and our history shapes our character. We've learned to climb both on the bike and in life."
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"Africa is full of untapped potential, raw talent, and pure determination. What makes our riders special is resilience – growing up with challenges yet still dreaming big. Many train on rough roads and climb steep hills daily. The world has only seen a glimpse of what Africa can offer. With proper support, world champions could come from our continent."
What makes Rwandan cyclists stand out?
"We ride not just with our legs, but with everything we've got – our stories, struggles, and dreams. We come from a country of hills and resilience where our terrain shapes our strength and our history shapes our character. We've learned to climb both on the bike and in life."
What would it mean to see an African cyclist win at the World Championships?
"It would be a dream come true for an entire continent – proof that our talent belongs on the world stage. It would inspire a generation, showing young people across Africa that greatness can start right here on our roads. It would symbolize how far we've come and how far we can still go."
GS x James Busby: What is your current relationship with sport as a photographer?
JB: Sport is both the most exciting and daunting subject I shoot. There are no do-overs – if I miss a moment, it's gone forever. But when everything comes together in a frame, there isn't anything more satisfying. I live for that rush. On a personal level, sport proves that practice is the key to excellence.
GS: What does "left field" mean to you?
JB: Left field means stories about people who aren't following a traditional path or who fight against whatever "normal" is.
@jamesbusbyimages
JB: Sport is both the most exciting and daunting subject I shoot. There are no do-overs – if I miss a moment, it's gone forever. But when everything comes together in a frame, there isn't anything more satisfying. I live for that rush. On a personal level, sport proves that practice is the key to excellence.
GS: What does "left field" mean to you?
JB: Left field means stories about people who aren't following a traditional path or who fight against whatever "normal" is.
@jamesbusbyimages
