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!
What an incredible story. Its amazing the strength some find amidst the brokenness of the world. May we all seek the source of such a glorious thing.
My wife just returned from a 10 day mission trip to Rwanda where they helped with the orphans from the genocide. It truly is an incredible story of faith and forgiveness. I’m glad to see the stories of hope for the people and that nation. Thanks for the post.
I know the human story is awesome and all that. We all can have amazing stories–yeah, yeah, yeah. Look at me, telling you, the expert on the matter.
Maybe it’s just me, but seriously, doesn’t it seem like all the BEST stories come out of Africa?! This, like so many others, is remarkable!
Team Rwanda all the way!
Thanks for sharing this story. A great follow up to the self-pity discussion.
Perspective is powerful.
I shall read more about all of the guys mentioned.
But, right now, I’m trying to get through this new book I got at Borders the other night. Went for Susan Isaacs’, but it was too pricey, and I found this bargain book, “Through scribbled deserts or through painted windows” or something like that.
It’s a bit of a drag, but when I finish it, I will definitely look up these guys.
(totally kidding…it wasn’t a bargain book…paid way to much.)
I am kidding, and I’m very much enjoying the read.
Went to the attached links. You absolutely can’t beat Adrien’s smile! Wow! (My life has been a cake walk compared to his…I seriously need to start smiling that big)
I love that amidst the terrible tragedies he finds such joy in life…”his bike is his girlfriend, he loves country music, and Spiderman is his favorite movie.”
Project Rwanda looks absolutely incredible!
You and your cycling stories…a whole new world to this TX’n.
Great story. I agree with Melissa, the best and worst stories seem to come out of Africa. Is it coincidence that the most heartbreaking poverty and the happiest people on the planet are living on the same continent? It’s reminding me of Rob Bell’s Drops Like Stars thesis on the link between art and agony. I feel this paradox in my home playing Daddy to 3 baby girls: http://whosyourdaddydiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/glorious-humiliation.html
GLORRRRY…… what a stellar STORY… Thanks for putting a voice to it… I love that his first bike was given to him by his “uncle Emmanuel”…. that’s not just coincidence.
He’s funny too… “he’s girlfriend is his bike” as he says… that’s a nice set of wheels…
What’s he ride anyway… hmmm…
Jesus encouraged us that God is with the broken-hearted, crushed, poor in spirit, mourning, hungry, sick, imprisoned, etc. Where they are, He is. Maybe that’s why so many people in Africa have lives filled with such joy, hope, love. Maybe that’s why their stories are so great.
The thought gives me such hope for the nations of Africa!
What prompted the change to the new site design?
Just the word Rwanda rips my heart out. So much tragedy associated with the term. This kind of story is a beautiful revelation in the transition taking place right now. Thanks for sharing it.
:::eyes to heaven:::
More like this please.
I have never heard of that story either. Thanks for bringing it into the light for those of us who have not heard it. It IS TRULY inspiring!
Thanks Don.
anyone know how to find the archives of Don’s blog on his ride across America??