Interview Violette Neza
The first Worlds in Africa, give a window to the best riders on the continent. Home rider Violette Neza is one of the riders who will be present among the best in the World in Kigali. The 24 years old rider has set a few promising results in the gravel scene abroad this year and will take part at the women's elite road race now. Cycling hasn't been evident for women in Rwanda for a long time. Violete Neza is a pioneeer and example for many other young women in her country and tells you about her path in this interview.
How does it feel to represent your country at the Worlds at home soil?
It’s a dream coming true. Representing Rwanda on home soil is not only an honor but also a responsibility. The World Championships in Kigali will be historic, and to be part of it as a rider from Rwanda makes me incredibly proud. It’s a chance to show the world the spirit of our people and the beauty of cycling in Rwanda and Africa.
You finished 4th in the UCI Gravel World Series, this year. How do you look back at that result?
I finished 4th in the UCI Africa Gravel Championship and helped me to be the first African on the UCI gravel World Series rankings.
It was bittersweet finishing 4th at the African Championship, so close to the podium yet just short. I faced a mechanical issue during the race, but instead of giving up, I pushed through. That experience reminded me of my strength and resilience, and I hope it inspires more riders especially girls to believe that setbacks are not the end, they are part of the journey. Nothing is impossible.
With this I appreciate everyone who is supporting me especially my team
My biggest ambition is to inspire more women and young girls to join cycling, especially in Africa. On a personal level, I want to keep growing , learning and Keep supporting the young riders and performing strongly in both on road and off road races. Still combining it with using my experience to develop women’s cycling structures.
Can you tell more about the cycling culture in your country?
Cycling is one of the most loved sports in Rwanda. The Tour du Rwanda brings thousands of people to the roadsides every year, Rwandan epic and also one of the most favorite ultra distance race in the world which is the race Around Rwanda . What makes our culture unique is the passion of the fans children run next to you, villages gather to cheer, and the atmosphere feels electric. For women, the culture is still growing, but step by step, more girls are joining, and we’re breaking barriers.
Before you were born, it was unusual for women to race in Rwanda. How does it feel to lead & inspire a new generation?
What do you recommend foreign tourists to visit during the Worlds?
I recommend exploring Kigali for its vibrancy and culture. Visiting Kigali Genocide museum, Campaign Against Genocide, Kimironko traditional market, Nyandungu wet-land eco-park, Fazenda Sengah at the top of mount Kigali, Richard Kandt Museum, 10 Belgian peacekeepers Museum there are so many things to visit but also going beyond the city you can enjoy to see our rolling beautiful hills and different 4 National Parks . Rwanda is nicknamed the land of thousand hills and a million smiles so don’t miss out this unforgettable experiences.
What are your main interests outside cycling?
Outside cycling, I love coaching and working with young riders. I’m passionate about travel, discovering new cultures, and sharing stories. I also enjoy spending time in nature, and I believe in using sport as a platform to empower communities, especially women and youth.
Who inspired you to start in cycling?
No one.My first inspiration came from seeing a bike, how people were enjoying using it in their everyday life and dreaming that I could be like them one day. I started learning how to ride along the way were so many challenges but I achieved it and keep going beyond
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