BENEDICTION CLUB RIDER, Gasore Hategeka, is optimistic ahead of the upcoming 2016 Tour du Rwanda, which will run from November 13-20.

"I have upped my level of performance. If I consider the way I have been riding recently, I would not be wrong to say that I have a good chance of winning the Tour du Rwanda,” Gasore told Times Sports.

In the 8th edition of the popular cycling race, Rwanda will be represented by the national team (Team Rwanda), Club Benediction of Rubavu and Sports Club Friends of Rwamagana. Previously, Rwanda was fielding three national teams – Akagera, Karisimbi and Muhabura.

Hategeka noted that in all competitions that he participated in this year, he has done really well adding that he believes he can win the international race.

Rwanda has in the past won two editions of Tour du Rwanda through Valens Ndayisenga and Jean Bosco Nsegimana. In 2014, Ndayisenga became the first Rwandan rider to win the Tour du Rwanda since its inception on the UCI Africa calendar in 2009, and was dethroned by teammate, Nsengimana.

Meanwhile on Monday, Hategeka won stage three in the Tour de la reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire after clocking 4h16’51″ in the 160km race from Bouaké to Daoukro. He beat Moroccan Mraouni Salah Eddine while Abraham Ruhumuriza came in 7th place and Joseph Biziyaremye finished in 8th position.

Eric Nduwayo came in 25th place, Ephrem Tuyishimire finished 32nd while Jeremie Karegeya came in 32nd position.

After three days, Moroccan Zahiri Abderrahim is leading the race with 9h 31’03″ in the general classification.

Before competing in the Tour de la reconciliation, Hategeka won two stages in Rwanda Cycling Cup; the 29-year-old won the Muhazi Challenge and Central Challenge.

Gasore has 152 points, followed by Amis Sportif riders, Jean Claude Uwizeye with 138 and Joseph Areruya with 132 points as the competition enters the last lap with two races remaining.

The next race is on October 22, while the last race which is Nyungwe Challenge from Rusizi-Huye will be held on October 23.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw