Rwanda’s number one female cyclist Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu has impressed world renowned trainer Jean Jacques at the World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland where she is attending a three-month training session.
Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu
Jacques revealed that he is impressed with her power and explained that they are working on some of her descending and cornering skills but they feel very optimistic she can compete on the international stage.
Team Rwanda’s head of marketing and logistics Kimberly Coats disclosed that, “Our goal is to get her on a professional team. She has the talent and we believe she can make it on the international scene.”
The 18 year old has been invited for an international race in France for the individual time trial in September and the French officials have made it clear that they really want her to compete in the event.
Girubuntu, a two-time national champion attended a month-long training at the World Cycling Centre in Potchefstroom, South Africa in January before representing Rwanda at the Africa continental cycling championships in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where she finished sixth in the women’s individual time trial, three minutes behind winner Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, an Olympian who rides for Bigla Pro Cycling team in Switzerland.
She is the first Rwandan female cyclist to train at the World Cycling Centre and will become the first Rwandan female cyclist to ride for a professional team if she continues to impress in Europe.
By Usher Komugisha, The New Times
