TEAM Rwandacycling Coach Jonathan Boyer is confident there will be more riders claiming the yellow jersey in the Tour du Rwanda that starts tomorrow afternoon with a prologue 3km race.

Fourteen teams will take part in the eight day event and they include: Burundi, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Team Meubles Decarte (Switzerland), Team Haute Savoie (France), Bike Aid (Germany), Karismibi, Akagera, Muhabura, SNH Velo club (Cameroon), Eritrea, As Be Co Team (Eritrea) and Ethiopia.

"Last year we only won one stage but the lads have had thorough preparations this time round. This has given me confidence that we will win more stages this time round.

It’s very hard to predict who of our riders will perform best at the event, they are all in good form and eager to impress, and I have a feeling we will do much better than last year,” said the former American cyclist

Rwanda will field three teams comprising of 5 riders in each team and Boyer has tipped Team Karisimbi which has riders like Janvier Hadi, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Jean Bosco Nsengimana, Valens Ndayisenga and Joseph Biziyaremye to triumph in the team category.

 Aimable Bayingana, the Chairman of the Cycling Federation is also optimistic of Rwanda’s chances against the best riders on the continent.

"I have confidence in our riders, they have showed what they’re capable of doing and I hope hard work will pay off.”

Meanwhile Algeria has pulled out of the race because of lack of funds. The Cycling Federation covers all costs for participating teams except air ticket fare.

Sunday -Amahoro Stadium - Kimironko - Sports View Hotel (3.5km)

Monday- Kigali- Kibungo (94km)

Tuesday-  Kigali - Rwamagana - Musanze (151.5km)

Wednesday– Musanze - Muhanga (123.3km)

Thursday– Muhanga - Rubavu (126.4km)

Friday– Rubavu - Nyanza (173km)

Saturday– Huye - Kigali (125.7km)

Sunday - Amahoro Stadium - Kibagabaga - Nyarutarama - Amahoro stadium (nine times) (114.2km)