Rwanda Cycling Federation has named a provisional 17-man team that will represent the country in this year’s Tour du Rwanda, which is scheduled to run from November 16-23. 

The federation’s Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Murenzi, while confirming the names, said yesterday that the teams will be reduced to 15 riders, who will be split into three to make up Team Akagera, Team Karisimbi and Team Muhabura.

Among the 17 riders are four debutants namely; Patrick Kayinamura, Abdalah Nzabonimpa, Jean Claude Uwizeyimana and Camera Hakuzimana. Team Rwanda will be under American coach Jonathan Boyer.

The provisional team also includes South Africa-based professional Adrien Niyonshuti, who recently renewed his contract with Team MTN-Qhubeka Samsung ahead of the 2015 season. However, it’s not yet confirmed if Niyonshuti will be available for Tour du Rwanda as his team is preparing to compete in World racing series.

Apart from Niyonshuti, the rest of the squad regrouped in Musanze to start preparations for next month’s international race.

The 2014 Tour du Rwanda, which became a UCI-Africa race in 2009, will have seven stages and one prologue, and will cover a total distance of 911.6 kilometres.

Sixteen teams have confirmed their participation and they will each be represented by 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).

Provisional squad:

Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Valens Ndayisenga, Jean Bosco Nsengimana, Patrick Byukusenge, Nathan Byukusenge, Gasore Hategeka, Joseph Biziyaremye, Emile Bintunimana, Hadi Janvier, Aimé Mupenzi, Theoneste Karasira, Patric Kayinamura, Jean Claude Uwizeyimana, Abraham Ruhumuriza, Jérémie Karegeya, Abdalah Nzabonimpa and Camera Hakuzimana.