If you follow cycling, you know that the Tour of Ireland wrapped up this weekend. And you might have also noticed Adrien Niyonshuti in the peloton. Hard to miss, Adrien is one of the few people of color in professional cycling, and he’s the only African. Top ranked out of Rwanda, Adrien has been training with Tom Ritchey’s team, and has recently signed a pro deal with a team out of South Africa.
Pictured above is Adrien with fellow Tour of Ireland rider Lance Armstrong. Lance’s story is incredible, and well known, but lesser known is Niyonshuti’s. Adriend lost six brothers to the Rwandan genocide. And last year his father passed, along with his cousin and fellow cyclist Godfrey Gahemba, who was struck by a car during a training ride.
Adrien dreams of competing in the London Olympics and someday in the Tour De France. He is coached by Jock Boyer, (another incredible story) who works with Project Rwanda, and who himself was the first American cyclist to ride in the Tour de France. An incredible story. Best to you, Adrien!
