Cyclists Invited to UCI Training Camp in Kenya
The UCI has invited Donatha Akimana and Emmanuel Shema to train ahead of the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cycling
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Following their success at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games, Rwandan cyclists Donatha Akimana and Emmanuel Shema have been selected for a UCI training camp in Kenya. This intensive program aims to prepare the duo for competition at the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Why it matters
The training camp serves to sharpen the technical and physical conditioning of the riders as they prepare for the global stage. Improving endurance and tactical awareness in this setting is essential for the cyclists to compete effectively against a field of 84 expected riders.
A total of 84 riders are expected to compete in the cycling events at the Youth Olympic Games, which will host 2,700 athletes from 200 National Olympic Committees. Akimana and Shema previously secured medals in the 60-kilometre and 80-kilometre road races, respectively.
The players
Donatha Akimana
She is a Rwandan cyclist who won gold in the 60-kilometre road race at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games.
Emmanuel Shema
He is a Rwandan cyclist who earned a silver medal in the 80-kilometre road race at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games.
UCI
The Union Cycliste Internationale is the world governing body for sports cycling.
The details
The training camp in Kenya provides the cyclists with opportunities to work alongside international athletes and specialized coaches to hone their endurance and tactical race performance. This preparation is specifically tailored for the upcoming Youth Olympic cycling programme, which consists of road and time trial events.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games begin.
November 8, 2026: Cycling road race event takes place.
November 10, 2026: Cycling individual time trial event takes place.
November 13, 2026: Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games conclude.
Season Trajectory
This targeted training camp aligns with the broader institutional efforts of the UCI to cultivate talent from diverse regions for major international events. These preparation sessions extend the development protocols seen in the UCI World Cycling Centre training programs, ensuring that regional medalists remain competitive against global peers.
The intensive training in Kenya significantly improves the tactical preparation of these athletes ahead of the November road race and individual time trial events. Success in these sessions directly impacts the national standing of the Rwandan team as they look toward the 84-rider field expected in Senegal.
The takeaway
Participation in international training camps is a critical benchmark for young athletes aiming to transition from regional games to the Olympic stage. Developing tactical endurance remains the primary focus for riders preparing to navigate the specific distances and demands of the Youth Olympic program.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming international events, visit the Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Taarifa Rwanda:.
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