Teenagers Joseph Areruya and Ephrem Tuyishimire are looking forward to making their debut appearance at the upcoming Tour du Rwanda that is scheduled for November 15-22.

 Nineteen-year old sensation Areruya will ride on Team Akagera alongside 36-year old veteran and captain Abraham Ruhumuriza while Tuyishimire, also 19 years, is a member of Team Muhabura that is captained by veteran rider Nathan Byukusenge, 35.

 The combination of young and old on both teams is expected to buoy their first appearance in the sport’s biggest race that they have admitted is a dream come true.

 "It is an honour to have been included on Team Muhabura that will be competing in the Tour of Rwanda. When I started by cycling career two years ago, I always dreamt of competing in the Tour of Rwanda and now that I am going to achieve this, I am delighted,” said Tuyishimire, who joined Team Rwanda Cycling in March this year.

His counterpart Areruya, who has been spectacular throughout the year especially in the Rwanda Cycling Cup, winning two races including the Kivu race in April and the same race last month from Muhanga to Rubavu, a total distance of 140km, is looking ahead at the challenge.

 Areruya has also competed at international races this year including winning bronze for Team Rwanda at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in the men’s team time trial along Janvier Hadi, Valens Ndayisenga and Jean Bosco Nsengimana.

 He also competed at the Tour of Rio in Brazil in August as well as the Chantal Biya in Cameroon last month.

Powerful and a sprinter, the youngster represents the strength and build of an upcoming rider that is yet to be tapped into.

Rwamagana-born duo

Meanwhile, Olympian Adrien Niyonshuti has been included on the coaching staff for Team Rwanda Cycling and is expected to inspire the hosts as they attempt to defend the Tour of Rwanda title that was won by Team Karisimbi last year, becoming the first Rwandan outfit to win it since inception on the UCI Africa Tour in 2009.

 Niyonshuti, who is back home after a long season with his side Team Qhubeka, told Saturday Sport that, "I am looking forward to being part of Team Rwanda Cycling at the Tour of Rwanda. I am always available to help whenever I can.”