Tour du Rwanda: Ndayisenga makes history

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Peter Kamasa

Valens Ndayisenga celebrates winning the Sixth edition of Tour du Rwanda yesterday. Photo:

-Ndayisenga is the youngest rider and first Rwandan to win Tour du Rwanda

-The 20 year old stands to win over US$4, 060 (Rwf2.78m) in prize money

-This year’s edition was his second appearance in the competition

-He participated in six continental competitions this year

THE 2014 Tour du Rwanda winner Valens Ndayisenga says that the many elite competitions he participated in this year as well as training at world cycling center at Aigle in Switzerland spurred him to victory in the Tour du Rwanda yesterday.

The 20 year old became the first Rwandan to win the prestigious competition ever since it got listed on the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar five years ago.

Sports Minister Joseph Habineza (white) and Cycling Federation Chairman Aimable Bayingana (in a blue t-shirt) and other officials waiting for final results which declared Ndayisenga winner of the 2014 Tour du Rwanda.

Ndayisenga took part in several training stints in Canada, Switzerland and France this year and also participated in six continental competitions in Algeria and Gabon as well as the U-23 world championship in Ponterrada-Spain.

"I have gained lots of experience from training alongside good riders in Switzerland and France, The coaches also gave us useful tips on how to work as a team in such elite races and we applied that resulting in our triumph,” a beaming Ndayisenga said.

On three different occasions when Ndayisenga’s bicycle got a puncture, his teammates Nathan Byukusenge and Joseph Biziyaremye sacrificed theirs to aid him retain the yellow jersey.

Anxious fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the riders as they make a final lap to Amahoro Stadium.

The Rwamagana born rider used 24 hours 57 minutes and 10 seconds in the 933,8km race that spanned over 8 days. He was followed by teammates Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Joseph Biziyaremye in second and fourth place respectively.

The Minister of Sports and Culture Joseph Habineza, promised Ndayisenga and Team Rwanda riders cash prizes for making the country proud.

Team Rwanda riders led by Nathan Byukusenge climbing Nyarutarama hills during yesterday's stage 7.

"Other Sports Associations should learn from the Cycling Federation because Rwandan cyclists have been improving year by year. We are grateful to the cyclists and the winner and we will give them a special bonus,” Habineza said.

Ndayisenga also stands to win over US$ 4,060$ (Rwf2.78m) in prize money for winning the competition as well as the different stages.

Team Rwanda riders worked as a team throughout the competition.

2014 Tour du Rwanda: (933,8km)

Stage Classification

1. Mraouni Salaeddine 2h43’54’’

2. J. Bosco Nsengimana 2h43’54’’

3. Dawit Haile 2h43’54’’

4. Melake Berhane 2h43’54’’

5. Afewerki Elyas 2h43’54’’

6. Valens Ndayisenga 2h43’54’’

General Classification

1. Valens Ndayisenga 24h57’10’’

2. J. Bosco Nsengimana 24h58’03’’

3. Aron Debretsion 24h58’44’’

4. Joseph Biziyaremye 24h58’51’’

5. Mraouni Salaeddine 24h59’15’’

Dream Boys entertaining Cycling fans in Muhanga during Tour du Rwanda. (Photos by Peter Kamasa)

Other Rwandese riders

11. Patrick Byukusenge

13. Abraham Ruhumuriza

17. Uwizeyimana Bonaventure

19. J. Claude Uwizeyimana

21. Nathan Byukusenge

28. Gasore Hategeka

29. Emile Bintunimana

30. Hadi Janvier

33. Jeremie Karegeya

35. Aime Mupenzi

39. TheonesteKarasira

Previous winners

1988 Célestin Ndengeyingoma (RWA

1989 Omar Masumbuko (RWA)

1990 Faustin Mparabanyi (RWA)

1991-2000 No competition

2001-2005 Bernard Nsengiyumva (RWA)

2006 Peter Kamau (KEN)

2007 Abraham Ruhumuriza (RWA)

2008 Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA)

2009 Adil Jelloul (MAR)

2010 Daniel Teklehaymanot (ERI)

2011 Kiel Reijnen (USA)

2012 Darren Lill (RSA)

2013 Dylan Girdlestone (RSA)

2014 Valens Ndayisenga