Rwandan professional rider Adrien Niyonshuti has renewed his contract with MTN-Qhubeka which has changed its name to Team Dimension Data in 2016.

According to the http://www.teammtnqhubeka.com they are excited to announce that Adrien Niyonshuti has extended his contract.

The Rwandan cycling star will start his 8th season with our African outfit next year. The statement said: "We are happy to have our longest standing team member staying on board. Adrien was integral to our team’s success at races like the Coppa Bartali, Tour of Turkey and Tour of Utah in particular this year.”

"Adrien Niyonshuti is an inspiration to African riders across the continent and the Adrien Niyonshuti Cycling Academy has made great strides in the past year.

While Adrien is keen to invest more time into his academy we are glad that he will continue with our African Team as he looks to make it to the start of his first grand tour in 2016.”

Niyonshuti said "I am very happy to stay with the team for another year; it is another great opportunity for me. With the news coming out of the team possibly moving up to World Tour, I knew I really wanted to continue with the team again.”

"Being the first Rwandan to race at that level is a goal I had always looked forward to. I have spent some good time home in Rwanda and with my academy and they give me much motivation for the new season. I am ready to work hard next season and help the team where ever I can,” adds the 28-year old.

The Rwamagana-born rider noted that, "With a rider like (Briton Mark) Cavendish joining our team, who I have known since 2010, it will help our team to move up a level and I am happy that this can also help me to take the next step in my career.”

The Team Principal, Douglas Ryder said that they are extremely happy that Niyonshuti will continue to ride for the South African team. "He’s a true ambassador of the sport. Since he joined our team as a MTB rider, he has transitioned to a valuable road racer.”

"Adrien took part in the 2012 London Olympics and some of the biggest road events in the world. In his home nation Rwanda he set up his own academy where he shares his experience to support the future of Rwandan cycling,” Ryder explains.

He adds that: "His profile in world cycling is a great addition to our African team and we look forward to his contributions in the months to come.”

The two-time Tour du Rwanda champion (2007 and 2008) joined South Africa’s leading cycling club in 2009 and his exploits in mountain climbing races have convinced the club to hold onto him.