A group of 20 elite cyclists, including world champions, record-holders, and international changemakers, will take part in an eight-day tour across Rwanda this month to promote global unity and social accountability through sport.
Dubbed the “Ride to Reconnection,” the tour is organized by Ride For Unity (RFU) and will run from August 17 to 24. The initiative aims to highlight Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation while encouraging reconciliation and community-driven development.
“This ride is more than a tour—it’s a global act of connection,” said Daniel Bernard, co-founder of RFU. “Rwanda’s journey proves what’s possible when a nation invests in unity and healing. With strong support from the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy), we are building something meaningful here.”
The cyclists will travel across various regions of the country, stopping at key historical and cultural landmarks. Planned activities include a tribute at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, conservation engagement with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and fieldwork with farmers at the Kahawa Coffee Plantation.
In Kamembe, participants will collaborate with Rwanda Action to support disability inclusion efforts. The tour will also feature sports outreach with more than 1,000 children in Nyanza, led by the Ishami Foundation, and a storytelling exchange with youth at the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village. The final day will be spent at Akagera National Park, where the team will learn about rhino conservation and wildlife rewilding before returning to Kigali.
“Rwanda is proud to host Ride For Unity and support its inspiring mission,” said Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire. “Cycling runs deep in our culture, and this tour celebrates the power of sport to unite. We welcome the world to experience Rwanda’s spirit, culture, and roads as we prepare to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.”
Leah Tedrow, RFU co-founder, said the tour serves as a platform for deeper engagement. “This is about listening and learning—showing how unity is rebuilt through community,” she said. “Rwanda’s story continues to fuel our mission, and we’ll be announcing long-term plans to expand this vision both here and globally.”
