Rwandan Cyclist Moise Ntirenganya Finishes Last but Earns Recognition as the Only Rwandan on Final Classification at World Championships

Kigali, Rwanda – Despite finishing at the bottom of the standings, Rwandan cyclist Moise Ntirenganya has drawn attention and praise for his resilience after becoming the only Rwandan athlete to appear on the official final classification list of the latest race at the UCI Road World Championships currently taking place in Kigali.

The young rider endured one of the most grueling challenges of his career, crossing the finish line in the last position. Yet, in a competition dominated by some of the world’s most elite cyclists, simply finishing the race represented a significant personal and national milestone. In major international cycling events, many riders drop out due to fatigue, mechanical failures, or injuries. Ntirenganya’s ability to endure until the very end meant that Rwanda’s flag was still represented on the list of official finishers — an achievement that carried symbolic importance.

A Lone Rwandan in the Rankings

Rwandan cyclist Moise Ntirenganya pushes through the final stretch at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

While Rwanda entered several athletes in different categories of the championships, Ntirenganya’s name stood out as the only one appearing in the final classification of his race. For cycling fans in Rwanda, this was both a bittersweet moment and a source of pride. Though his placement was at the bottom, his determination ensured that the host country did not go unrepresented in the official results.

Local commentators highlighted that finishing such a tough international race is itself a victory. Many reminded fans that cycling, much like other endurance sports, rewards not only speed but also perseverance, commitment, and mental strength — qualities that Ntirenganya demonstrated in abundance.

The Significance of Competing on Home Soil

This year’s UCI Road World Championships in Kigali mark the first time that Rwanda has hosted a global cycling event of this magnitude. The country, already known as one of Africa’s cycling powerhouses through events like the Tour du Rwanda, has sought to use the championships as an opportunity to showcase both its sporting talent and its growing reputation as a hub for international sports tourism.

For Ntirenganya, racing on home soil carried special weight. Competing before local fans, even as he struggled through the final kilometers, brought loud cheers of encouragement from the crowd. His determination to finish, no matter his ranking, echoed Rwanda’s broader ambition of continuing to rise in the global cycling scene.

Looking Ahead

Sports analysts noted that Ntirenganya’s result should not be seen purely through the lens of placement. Instead, it reflects the broader developmental stage of Rwandan cycling at the world level. While nations like Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands continue to dominate international cycling, Rwanda’s presence at the championships highlights the progress the country has made in nurturing local talent.

Officials from the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) emphasized that experiences like these are stepping stones for young athletes. They pointed out that exposure to the intensity of world-class competition is crucial for preparing the next generation of Rwandan riders.

National Spirit Beyond the Rankings

Though the result was modest, fans took to social media to share messages of encouragement, with many describing Ntirenganya as a symbol of perseverance. Others stressed that Rwanda’s participation in the championships should be celebrated regardless of placement, noting that the country’s cycling infrastructure and reputation are steadily improving year by year.

As the championships continue in Kigali, attention will now turn to upcoming races where other Rwandan cyclists are expected to compete. For Ntirenganya, however, his finish — though last — has already secured him a small but meaningful place in Rwanda’s cycling history.