Olivia Maniragena has faced numerous challenges from a young age. Orphaned at 14 and responsible for raising three siblings, she became a mother of two before turning 20.
At 21, the Rwandan cyclist has found stability in the sport and is preparing for the UCI Road World Championships in her homeland next month, where she hopes to compete in the inaugural women's Under-23 race.
For Maniragena, cycling has always symbolized freedom. She learned to ride at seven, and over time, it became more than just a skill—it was a way to survive.
"Cycling helped me take care of my family—fetching water, collecting firewood, running errands, and as a mode of transport," she shares. "It brings me happiness. When I ride, it takes away my anxiety and depression."
However, her freedom was short-lived. After losing her mother in 2013 and her father five years later, Maniragena struggled to support herself despite various jobs, and became pregnant twice as a teenager.
"I thought the father of my children would be my support system, but after three years, right after our second baby, he left," she recalls. "I was left to care for my three siblings and my two children alone. Life was hard."
Maniragena's path to elite cycling began when she joined Bikes for Future, an all-female team supported by humanitarian group Plan International and the non-profit organization Learn Work Develop (LWD). This initiative aims to challenge gender stereotypes and empower young Rwandan women through sport.
"What makes Olivia unique is her determination," says her coach Niyonsaba Elidad. "She knows what she wants. Every time we train, she gives it her all."
Women's cycling in Rwanda is still in its early stages and is often marginalized in a sport long dominated by men.
"In the past, if a girl was seen riding a bike, people would ridicule her, saying, 'You're not a boy, why are you cycling?'" explains Mbabazi Fillette, programs and partnership manager at LWD. "It was considered an abomination for a young girl to ride a bike. We're proving that girls can not only ride, but also compete at the highest level."
At the Bugesera Cycling Centre, Maniragena has gained more than just racing skills; she’s also learned bike mechanics. "I can dismantle and reassemble a bike in five minutes," she says. "It's something I truly value. It brought back the hope I had lost in my life."
While other members of the 30-strong team specialize in welding, tailoring, and communications, Maniragena's mechanical skills have become her financial lifeline.
"What keeps me going is knowing I can earn an income. On a good day in the bike shop, I make about $7. When I race, I can earn even more."
However, financial barriers remain a major challenge. A decent racing bike costs between 60,000 and 150,000 Rwandan francs (about $42 to $104)—an unattainable amount for many from low-income backgrounds.
Despite these obstacles, cycling continues to gain popularity among Rwanda’s youth.
Finding Purpose Through Cycling
Maniragena's path to elite cycling began when she joined Bikes for Future, an all-female team supported by humanitarian group Plan International and the non-profit organization Learn Work Develop (LWD). This initiative aims to challenge gender stereotypes and empower young Rwandan women through sport.
"What makes Olivia unique is her determination," says her coach Niyonsaba Elidad. "She knows what she wants. Every time we train, she gives it her all."
Women's cycling in Rwanda is still in its early stages and is often marginalized in a sport long dominated by men.
"In the past, if a girl was seen riding a bike, people would ridicule her, saying, 'You're not a boy, why are you cycling?'" explains Mbabazi Fillette, programs and partnership manager at LWD. "It was considered an abomination for a young girl to ride a bike. We're proving that girls can not only ride, but also compete at the highest level."
At the Bugesera Cycling Centre, Maniragena has gained more than just racing skills; she’s also learned bike mechanics. "I can dismantle and reassemble a bike in five minutes," she says. "It's something I truly value. It brought back the hope I had lost in my life."
While other members of the 30-strong team specialize in welding, tailoring, and communications, Maniragena's mechanical skills have become her financial lifeline.
"What keeps me going is knowing I can earn an income. On a good day in the bike shop, I make about $7. When I race, I can earn even more."
However, financial barriers remain a major challenge. A decent racing bike costs between 60,000 and 150,000 Rwandan francs (about $42 to $104)—an unattainable amount for many from low-income backgrounds.
Despite these obstacles, cycling continues to gain popularity among Rwanda’s youth.
Photo: Courtesy
Growth in Women's Cycling
In just 15 months, Maniragena has gone from a novice rider to a local champion, winning races in the Rwanda Youth Racing Cup. Her rapid progress has raised hopes that she could one day compete at the national level.
"I see Olivia as a future champion," says her coach Elidad with pride. "She has the talent to compete at an elite level. She just needs the right opportunities and support."
If Maniragena and her teammates miss out on a spot for the U23 race at the Road World Championships, they will participate in a social race linked to the event.
"I see growth. I can't wait to see more women competing," says Fillette. "This is a huge opportunity for my country."
Sportswashing Claims
As Rwanda prepares to host the Road World Championships, international tensions have eased along its border following a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group. Signed in Qatar last month, the deal aims to stop hostilities in eastern Congo.
The ongoing conflict between the DRC and Rwanda has strained relations, with Rwanda denying accusations of supporting the M23 rebels.
Some critics claim Rwanda is using the Road World Championships and other major events as a form of "sportswashing"—investing in sports to enhance its global image. The UCI has denied such claims, highlighting Rwanda's strong cycling tradition, particularly the annual Tour du Rwanda since 1988.
Those behind the Bikes for Future project, launched to leverage Rwanda's position as the first African nation to host the championships, emphasize the broader benefits.
"There's now a stronger belief that bicycles can change lives," says Solomon Tesfamariam, Plan International's director for Rwanda. "Our focus is to engage and support more girls, and cycling is becoming increasingly popular among women."
For Maniragena and her teammates, it has sparked new ambitions. "We want to be champions," she says. "One day, we want to race among the world's best."