Eritrean Mekseb Debesay, riding for Team Aid of Germany, won stage four of the ongoing Tour du Rwanda on Thursday, from Musanze to Nyanza, after clocking four hours 21 minutes and 6 seconds in a distance of 166km.

It was his second stage win following his success in the first stage, from Nyagatare to Rwamagana on Monday.

But Team Rwanda Karisimbi’s Jean Bosco Nsengimana continues to wear the race leader’s yellow jersey despite finishing in 16th position in 4 hours, 21 minutes and 6 seconds.

Yesterday’s stage didn’t go well for Team Rwanda riders as none came in the top five, which was dominated by foreign riders; only defending champion Valense Ndayisenga made it inside the top ten.

Ndayisenga appeared to struggle in Ngororero as he tried to push to stay with the leading peloton, while Nsengimana didn’t adapt to the cold weather and was forced to wear a thicker jacket to enable him finish the race.

"Today was a bad day for us, I was not feeling well and even Valens had some sickness, but we believe tomorrow (today), we will be in good condition for stage five,” Nsengimana said.

The 22-year-old added that,”Today, it was raining and our bodies didn’t manage to adapt well to the weather. We will do everything to keep the yellow jersey.”

After the victory, Debesay said, "Sprint is my strong point. I knew I had a good chance of success. This is the fourth time, I’m winning a stage of the Tour of Rwanda, it is a great joy.” Last year, he won stage Kigali-Ngoma and Huye-Kigali.

Nsengimana continues to lead the race, best African, best Rwandan and best young rider, while Ammanuel Gebrezgabihier of Eritrea national team was named the best mountain climber for second successive day.

On the sixth day of Tour du Rwanda on Friday, stage five will see riders racing from Muhanga to Rubavu District, a total distance of 108 kilometers.

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