RWANDAN PROFESSIONAL cyclist Adrien Niyonshuti has extended his contract with Team MTN-Qhubeka of South Africa Samsung ahead of the 2015 season.

Niyonshuti, Johann van Zyl and Songezo Jim are the cyclists who renewed their contracts with one of Africa’s elite cycling clubs, yesterday.

Niyonshuti is one of the longest serving members of Team MTN-Qhubeka after joining the squad back in 2009.

Songezo joined the team at the beginning of the 2012 season while Van Zyl arrived when the team turned Pro-Continental at the beginning of last season.

Team MTN-Qhubeka is placing its GC hopes on the shoulders of these young African climbers in 2015. Niyonshuti, Songezo and Van Zyl will take on more responsibility in each race.

After extending the contract yesterday, Niyonshuti said he was happy to stay with Team MTN-Qhubeka.

"It means a lot to me because I have been part of the team since 2009, it’s like the team owns a piece of my heart so to continue with them in 2015 is great,” Niyonshuti said.

He added that he will do everything to assist his teammates in the new season.

"I also hope I will be able to achieve good results personally, because I feel I have it in me. I will look for the breakaway in every opportunity I get and, generally, to race consistently well,” he added.

The Team’s Principal Douglas Ryder said that riders like Niyonshuti define their team.

"They have shown what is possible if you work hard, have huge commitment and talent to take on the challenges of racing in the world tour of cycling,” Ryder said.

Team MTN-Qhubeka was founded in 2007, steadily working its way up from a regional team to now being a Continental Pro team with bases in South Africa and Italy. MTN-Qhubeka’s goal is to give talented African riders a path into the pro peloton while raising funds for the Qhubeka charity.

Niyonshuti’s past provides a constant inspiration when he’s on two wheels. The 27-year-old spent a decade shrouded in grief before he took up cycling in 2004.

He became an instant star and was soon spotted by Jacques Boyer, the first US cyclist to ride in a Tour de France.

Since 2007, Boyer has been heavily involved with Rwandan cycling, and has proven an excellent mentor for Niyonshuti.

His career highlight came in 2012 when he carried his country’s flag at the 2012 London Olympics. After the Olympics he started the Adrien Niyonshuti Cycling Academy to help young Rwandans take up the sport.

His participation in World tour series in mountain races will be a big boost for the Rwamagana-born cyclist who is aspiring to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.