Following his first appearance on international scene in two years, star rider Janvier Hadi has relished a chance to revive his career.

Hadi, 26, was part of Team Rwanda’s six-man roster that participated at the 17th Tour du Senegal a fortnight ago. Rwanda finished top among the 12 national teams in the contest.

The Club Benediction de Rubavu rider finished the one-week race as the second best Rwandan rider in the 18th place of the general classification behind former national champion and stage winner at the 2014 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana who finished fourth.

In an interview with Times Sport, Hadi, who had retired prematurely in September of 2016, spoke of his ambition to return to the top following what he described as the ‘worst decision’ he has ever made.

"I am very grateful that I have been given a second chance following a retirement decision I regretted every single day untill I decided to return to professional cycling. I am working very hard to return to the top,” he said.

Hadi added: "When I returned, I was in the worst possible shape. I had gained weight and it required me to put in extra shifts to catch up with my colleagues. I learnt a lot while on ‘retirement break’, I have decided to take a new route, work harder and change my attitude for the better. I can already feel the momentum building up.” 

At the 2015 edition in Congo-Brazzaville, Hadi became the first Rwandan to win a gold medal in All-Africa Games in 28 years. 

Paralympian Mariciane Mukamurenzi won the first gold for Rwanda – in the women’s 10000m at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw