With its steep slopes and sharp bends, the land of a thousand hills has forged itself a new identity: that of a cycling nation. But far from the spotlight of the World Championships, which took place in Kigali from September 21 to 28, bicycles are part of daily survival for thousands of Rwandans. Beyond sport or leisure, the bike is often a tool to make ends meet — sometimes at the risk of life and often for a meager reward. FRANCE 24 correspondent in Kigali, Juliette Montilly, takes you into Rwanda’s countryside, where the bicycle is a lifeline.
#Rwanda #cycling #championships
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The sun has barely risen, but for this transporter, the work day is already well underway. This time it’s a load of charcoal 10 kilometers to Ruenary. With cargo weighing up to more than 100 kilos, faces daily dangers on the road. On his arms, scars bear witness to past accidents. In Rwanda, what’s often seen as a leisure activity is above all a way to survive. One in five people uses bicycles as transport or as a walk tool. A stroke of luck for local mechanics. Pier spends his days repairing bikes worn on by heavy use. Colorful frames for saddles. Every bike is unique. Cycle taxis wait for hours. Across the street, competition stands by. Away from Kegali and the spotlight of the world championships in Ronda’s rural heartlands, the bicycle is still a key tool of survival.
27 Comments
We are really proud of this cycling championship that is taking place in our country RWANDA as its first time in Africa but brutally, laity daily living seems unbearable. Thank you
Cycling is in blood I don't know why we never won❤❤
Hahha look
We are happy we don’t need to see that
Bahahhahahhahahaaaa
Just don't forget that we are still growing country
Why don't you display us the homeless people in France & England… But you're just show us people struggling in Africa? Instead show us how far Africa is now in terms of development then stop this nonsense news. We're tired of this
They work not homeless like countries say they are rich
All Africans we love Rwanda🫡🫡🫡🫡
😂😂 Imagine portraying Rwanda as struggling county yet you still have homeless people in Paris that's too joke
they are not homeless as in European country
Ubu mwashatse ibyo mutunenga murabibura, muza gushakira mucyaro ….
They are not begers and homeless like those ones on streets in Europ😂😂😂😂😂😂 these guys have families, they work hard to survive!!!
It’s no secret lots of hardworking men in Africa survive by cycling. On the bright side, allowing amateurs into the competition gives guys like this a chance, if their countries can accommodate them.
Yes! Those brave individuals use the bike to earn their honest breads. However I kept searching and thinking but what is the relationship of the article with UCI championship? So you’re writing about any random bike use in Rwanda ? As you are there do not forget my neighbor’s toddler bike as well!
Rwanda ❤Rwanda 🇷🇼 Rwanda ❤Rwanda 🇷🇼. RWANDA ❤
we are still fighting for a better life, we didn't hide anything of our struggle, but UCI trusting our country gives us hope. we will be better.
Please @France 24, your translation isn't quite right. Could you double check it?
nooooooo you have no news to talk and you are wasting your time even no human can talk like that it sounds ai and Rwanda is developing everyone say Rwanda oooyeeee
So what’s the relationship with the UCI with this 😂😂😂😂 u such loosers for real and desperate 🤌🏽🤌🏽
Whatever, we still love u our country ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
But what's wrong with these journalists. Do you really think you are professional in your career? Can't you even appreciate the trust that UCI based on to bring it in Rwanda of all other countries across the world? why are you always found in the image of criticizing Africa particularly Rwanda? What has really Rwanda done to you that make you to always see the negative side only? Don't you really feel ashamed of yourself?
Why the France 24, don't mentioned to the topic, went to the behind of the world cyrling😂😂😂
You are not professional 👎👎 iî😂😂😂
Westing time the world cyrling were perfect ❤❤❤ in Rwanda ❤❤❤
All viewers should remember that the French supported and then protected the Hutu military and Hutu power leaders.
As a Rwandan I can say that we ztill have a long journey. The biggest challenge is our history as the current leadership participated in. As a result we are a police state aith total dictatorship. Otherwise every country has its challenge even France is struggling now.
Go Rwanda 🇷🇼