Top three

1. Merhawi Goitom 16:22:552. Tesfay Mihreteab 16:22:563. Adhanom Zemekael 16:23:06

Team Rwanda

15. Joseph Areruya + 11:2817. Camera Hakuzimana + 14:1618. Jean Claude Uwizeye + 14:5927. Ephrem Tuyishime + 50:59

Team Classification

1. Team Selina2. Team Tsinat3. Eritrea4. Stradalli- Bike Aid5. Rwanda

The national cycling team returned yesterday after a disappointing performance at the just concluded Tour of Eritrea held from April 19 to 23.

The five-day continental class race was won by Eritrean youngster Merhawi Goitom, who also won the U23 category. Joseph Areruya was Rwanda’s top performer and the second best foreign (non-Eritrean) rider after Italian Eugenio Boni who was riding for Amore &Vita – Selle SMP team.

The six-man Rwandan team, which left the country on April 13 for the 6th edition of the annual Eritrean Tour, a 2.2 UCI race category, finished fifth out of eight participating teams, despite having topped the table in the first two stages of the five-stage showcase.

It was an impressive start for Jonathan Boyer’s men, shining in stage one and two before dropping in the third and fourth stages. Skipper Patrick Byukusenge and upcoming rider, Samuel Mugisha did not finish the race.

In the fifth and final stages held on Saturday, Areruya finished second, behind stage winner Million Amanuel of Eritrea. Areruya Joseph finished in the 15th place out of 27 riders who managed to complete the competition.

Overall, 17 riders abandoned the race at different stages out of a total 44 cyclists who started.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw