Rwanda Cycling Federation Chairman, Aimable Bayingana is in a buoyant mood ahead of the 2014 Tour du Rwanda slated for November 16-23.

This year’s edition will cost an estimated Rwf400 million. Like in previous years, Rwanda will field three teams-including Team Akagera, Team Karisimbi and Team Muhabura. Each team comprises of five riders.

 "In terms of preparations, I think we are ready for the tournament, and we want to challenge for the top position this year because we have been improving every year. I am sure this time we will see many surprises,” Bayingana said.

 He added, "I am convinced these teams have the potential to finish in the top positions, our riders have been outstanding for the past year.”

Ferwacy is planning to organise more local races to improve the fitness levels of the cyclists ahead of the elite tournament that is classified as a 2:2 race by the International Cycling Union (UC1).

Riders will compete in seven stages including new routes of Kigali- Ngoma District (94 kilometres) and the gruelling Rubavu to Nyanza (173km). The tour will cover a total distance of 911.6 kilometres.

Last year’s edition was won by South African Dylan Girdlestone, while Rwanda’s Valens Ndayisenga won the most promising rider accolade following his 11th place finish. The event was first held in 1988.