The emotions were unmistakable in the eyes of the NSN riders during their annual visit to the Field of Dreams bike center in Bugesera, Rwanda.
Our professional riders stood watching in awe as dozens of teenage girls and boys flew across the smooth asphalt of the pump track, set against the backdrop of green hills and banana plantations. Their movements were fluid, confident, and highly skilled.
One question lingered in the air: how did they become so good — so fast?
“They are just amazing to watch,” said NSN’s Spanish climber Pau Martí after doing his best to join the action on the pump track. “There’s no way I can match their pace and skills here.”
It has been three years since we inaugurated the Field of Dreams bike center, and the results are as bright as the Rwandan sun. The youth flocking to the center, receiving bikes, and training on its facilities are developing faster than anyone imagined.
Take Kevin Iradukunda. At just 14 years old, he is already winning national-level races and is considered one of the top riders in his age group.
“The first time I rode a bike was right here at the center, just two years ago,” he said shyly. “This bike center gave me the chance.”.
Or Emelyne Kanyange. The 17-year-old from a nearby village first visited the center a year after it opened. Her talent quickly became evident. She joined the women’s team and is now considered the best junior female rider in the country.
“These youngsters are grabbing the opportunity we give them at the Field of Dreams — and they are flying,” said Liliane Kayirebwa, President of the Bugesera Cycling Team.
Meeting our riders year after year has given these young athletes belief and ambition. You can see it in their eyes. In their determination to challenge our pros during exhibition races. When the new youth team was recently launched, 180 children signed up immediately.
When we met 13-year-old Ngerarageze Pierre Damarara, he spoke passionately about NSN’s African star, Biniam Girmay. Having started cycling only a year ago, he is already one of the most promising talents around.
“I will keep cycling and developing, and maybe one day I will be a champion like Bini,” he said softly.
And the great champion was deeply moved to hear it.
“It’s very touching,” said Biniam. “Tell him to keep believing and to work hard. One day, he may reach the top.”
Girmay, who could not attend the visit as he is racing for us in Europe, expressed strong support for the Racing for Change initiative.
He added: “Africa is rising fast in cycling, and I’m really proud to see the progress at our Field of Dreams bike center in Bugesera. Hundreds of young riders come every week, learning new skills and discovering the joy of cycling.
“I hope we will expand our Racing for Change initiative in the near future to more countries across Africa, including my home country of Eritrea.
“To all those kids, I say: Keep dreaming, keep riding — because the next African champions racing in the world’s greatest races could be among you.”