Former Team Rwanda captain Hadi Janvier has decided to end his retirement by apologising to the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) asking to be allowed back in the sport after a year out.
In a press release on Thursday, Hadi apologize to federation, his club (Benediction Club), Team Rwanda, fellow riders, supporters and all Rwandans in general.
Hadi played as a professional cyclist with Germany-based UCI Team Stradalli–Bike Aid before he shocked the nation in September last year, by announcing that he was retiring from the sport following a misunderstanding with the FERWACY leadership.
In his apology letter, Hadi writes; “I took the decision due to my emotions but I have tried to think again and want to return to the game I love. I am ready to return and give my best to the country and club at the international level.”
The 25-year old explained that he took the decision “without thinking first” and that what he said about federation was out of anger.
The 2015 African Road Race champion claimed the federation’s attitude toward him had alienated him and that left him feeling unwanted.
Hadi became the first Rwandan to win a gold medal at All-Africa Games outside the Paralympic category since Mariciane Mukamurenzi – in the women’s 10000m at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi.
He also represented Rwanda at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His troubles with FERWACY started when he made history by qualifying Rwanda to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Road Race.
However, FERWACY picked Adrien Niyonshuti to represent the country at the Games – ahead of Hadi, who felt hard-done by the decision. During the Games in Rio, Niyonshuti did not even complete the first 60km.
When contacted, FERWACY president Aimable Bayingana said, “We saw the apology letter, and yes personally I think it’s a good thing he has done because we never forced him to retire, it was his decision but we are happy and ready to welcome him back.”
