“Don’t fear to try. Try and fear.“
– Eric Muhoza
Rwanda, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant culture, is fast becoming a hub for cycling talent in Africa. At the center of this transformation is Eric Muhoza, a young cyclist whose journey from local streets to international races is a story of dedication, resilience, and unyielding ambition. His passion for cycling is matched only by his commitment to inspire the next generation of Rwandan athletes.
“Don’t fear to try. Try and fear.”
These words are more than a motto—they are Eric’s guiding principle, reflecting his approach to both training and life. They capture the courage, discipline, and persistence required to rise from a promising local talent to a national hero competing on the world stage.
A Family Legacy and Early Inspiration
Eric’s love for cycling was cultivated in a family where the sport ran deep. His father had cycled before the Rwandan genocide, and his cousin was a professional cyclist racing in Europe. Eric vividly remembers being inspired by his cousin’s dedication:
“As my family, I can say it’s a family of cycling. My cousin was a good rider, racing in Europe for eight years. When he came home during the off-season, I stayed with him, and I just started to like cycling. He bought me my first bike to go to school.”
From a young age, Eric’s talent and determination became evident. By 2019, he was competing in local junior races, and his results caught the attention of Rwanda’s national cycling team. Representing his country at the African Championship in Ethiopia marked the beginning of his international journey, a path inspired by both familial influence and his personal drive to succeed.
“Since my cousin was my role model, I always said I want to be better than him. I still have the chance to achieve that.”
The Pride of Representing Rwanda
For Eric, wearing the Rwandan jersey is more than a personal achievement—it is a profound honor.
“You can’t imagine the first time you have the flag on your chest. It’s not just about racing—it’s about representing your country.”
The experience is humbling yet exhilarating. Traveling abroad for competitions, Eric understands the weight of responsibility that comes with representing Rwanda. He recalls the thrill and nervousness of boarding the plane for his first international race:
“For me, the first time, the ghost was just to be in the plane. I was not fully focused on presenting the country—I was amazed by the experience itself.”
Today, Eric’s international exposure has strengthened not only his athletic skills but also his confidence and sense of national pride. He represents Rwanda not only with his performance but also with his example, showing that talent from smaller nations can shine on the global stage.
Triumphs and Challenges: Tour of Rwanda 2023
One of Eric’s most memorable accomplishments came during the Tour of Rwanda 2023, his first professional race with the German team, Bike from the Jump. Despite a strong performance, he faced mechanical challenges on the final day, preventing him from claiming victory. Yet, the race remains a highlight of his career.
“It’s my good result because it was my first time as a professional, and I was competing at home. Even with the last-day problems, I learned so much from that race.”
The Tour of Rwanda is more than a competition—it is a national celebration. Cycling has long been Rwanda’s most beloved sport, and Eric’s performances inspire fans across the country.
“People here love cycling. During the World Championship, everyone was watching, celebrating, and enjoying the races. It was really special for the country and the people.”
Historic Milestones: Hosting the World Championships
Rwanda made history by hosting the Cycling World Championships, becoming the first African nation to do so. Eric remembers the excitement and the pride that came with this moment:
“Before, I didn’t believe Rwanda could host the World Championship. But when it happened, it was incredible. It showed the world what our country is capable of.”
Hosting such a prestigious event not only showcased Rwanda’s infrastructure and organizational capability but also highlighted the nation’s passion for cycling. For Eric and his fellow athletes, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their talent and inspire countless young riders across Africa.
“If you told people in Europe before the World Championship that Rwanda could host such an event, they might have doubted it. But now, they see Rwanda as a country of cycling and opportunity.”
Mental Strength: The Key to Success
Cycling is not just physically demanding; it is mentally taxing. Long climbs, unpredictable weather, and grueling stages test a rider’s resilience. For Eric, mental strength comes from setting clear goals and maintaining focus, even under the toughest conditions.
“If you have goals, even when faced with bad weather or challenges, you don’t think about the obstacles. You think about your goals. If I don’t train today, I can’t achieve what I want tomorrow.”
This mindset has allowed Eric to push beyond limits, compete at higher levels, and maintain the discipline necessary for professional cycling.
A Role Model for Rwanda and Beyond
Eric Muhoza is more than a cyclist; he is a symbol of hope, discipline, and inspiration. From the streets of Kigali to the international stage, his story illustrates the power of perseverance and the importance of mental strength. Rwanda may be a small country, but with athletes like Eric, it is becoming a significant force in global cycling.
“Rwanda has the talent, the hills, and the passion for cycling. We just need to keep working and believing in ourselves.”
This passion is deeply rooted in everyday life, where for the vast majority, the bicycle is far more than a sporting tool—it is an essential and fundamental means of transportation.
For young cyclists in Rwanda and across Africa, Eric’s journey is proof that dreams are achievable. By embracing his motto and putting in the work, anyone can rise, inspire, and make their mark on the world.
Looking Ahead: Dreams of the World Tour
Eric’s ambitions extend far beyond national success. His ultimate goal is to join a WorldTour team and compete in the biggest races, including the Tour de France.
“I want to join a WorldTour team and do the big races. You can’t do it with just a continental team. This is my dream, and I am working every day to achieve it.”
Through his journey, Eric hopes to inspire other Rwandan athletes, demonstrating that with dedication, focus, and courage, international success is possible.
“Don’t fear to try. Try and fear.”
This philosophy guides him through every race and training session, encouraging him to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and strive relentlessly toward his goals.
