RWANDA Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) is preparing to host the president of the International Cycling Union (ICU), Michael Brian Cookson.

Ferwacy Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Murenzi told Saturday Sport yesterday that Cookson will be in Rwanda on November 19 to grace the 2014 Tour of Rwanda.

Cookson will be accompanied by Jon and Linda Halbert, the Executive Producers of the acclaimed documentary ‘Rising from the Ashes’ which is about the rise of cycling after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.

Others expected include; English former professional tri-athlete and four-time Ironman triathlon world champion Christine Ann Wellington.

The 2014 Tour du Rwanda will run from November 16 to 23. 

Sixteen cycling teams have confirmed to participate. Rwanda will be represented by three teams: Akagera, Karisimbi and Muhabura.

Each of the 16 teams from different countries will comprise five riders.

The tour is expected to see competitors from South Africa, Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Gabon, the USA (Novo Nordisk Development Team), France (Haute Savoie), and Germany (Team Bike Aid).