AFTER being re-elected Chairman of Rwanda Cycling Federation, Aimable Bayingana said he will immediately focus on nurturing young riders who will represent the country in different competitions.

He was re-elected unopposed for a second term during the federation’s annual general assembly at the weekend at Amahoro Stadium.

"For the next four years, we will do everything possible to improve the level of teams and riders which will help in the growth of our sport,” he said. 

"We also want to attract more sponsors so as to avoid continued dependence on government. We are looking at new ways which can be used to bring more sponsors on board,” added Bayingana.

He said the Musanze cycling centre will be turned into a tourist attraction. "The aim is to attract tourists who are interested in riding in Rwanda, and generating income for the sport when they purchase bicycles.”

He added: "We also plan to establish a training and maintenance centre which will be accessed by riders from around the Eastern and Central African region.”

Other officials who were elected include Lambert Byemayire (first vice president), Festus Bizimana (second vice president) and Thierry Rwabusaza (secretary general). Benoit Munyankindi is the in-charge of finance while Jean Baptiste Rugambwa, Bosco Ntembe and Faustin Mparabanyi are advisers.

Bayingana started out as interim president, succeeding Charles Kamanda after the latter had been elected a Member of Parliament in December 2007. 

He went on to become the federation’s president after the elections of December 26, 2010, subsequently serving a three-year term.