Adrien Niyonshuti has been to two Olympic Games but is yet to ride a three-week Grand Tour. In 2017, the Dimension Data rider is aiming to become the first Rwandan to start and finish the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France or Vuelta a España. A professional since 2009 when the team was known as MTN, the 30-year-old has recovered from stomach surgery in the off-season and is building for his biggest road season to date.
In 2015, Niyonshuti was hopeful of racing the Vuelta a España but ultimately missed out. Two years on, the multiple national champion is looking to achieve his ambition this season as he explained to Cyclingnews.
"It is one of my dreams, to be honest. I am not sure [which one] because the team is also trying to get points, so I am trying my best to be the first Rwandan to race in a grand tour. I hope I will achieve this goal," Niyonshuti recently told Cyclingnews and Eurosport.
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Niyonshuti made history in 2012 when he became the first Rwandan cyclist to race the Olympic Games, competing in the mountain bike. He was also chosen as the flag-bearer for the opening ceremony in London. Last year, Niyonshuti made a second appearance at the Olympic Games, honoured again as the flag bearer. However, unlike London, he competed on the road to again write history for Rwandan cycling.
The Olympic Games have whetted Niyonshuti's appetite for a Grand Tour start as he dreams of emulating fellow African cyclists Natnael Berhane, Merhawi Kudus, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Songezo Jim. A Grand Tour start would be a crowning achievement for Niyonshuti, who has continued to overcome disadvantages.
However, just as important to Niyonshuti is creating a pathway for young Rwandan's to follow their dreams just as he done.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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