Team Rwanda Cycling has confirmed it will take part in next year’s 12th edition of the Tropicale Amissa Bongo race which will take place from February 27 through March 5 in Gabon.

Rwanda’s participation was confirmed on Thursday by the general secretary of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), Emmanuel Murenzi. Tropicale Amissa Bongo is the biggest cycling race on the UCA-African Tour.

The 2017 Tropicale Amissa Bongo race has been moved to new dates because of the 2017 African Cup of Nations finals which Gabon will host from January 14 through February 5.

"Because Gabon is organizing the CAF AFCON 2017 finals tournament during the usual date of the Tropicale Amissa Bongo has been shifted to start on February 27 and run through March 5,” Murenzi told Times Sport.

Last year, the race which has seven stages, was won by Frenchman Adrien Petit after clocking at time of 18h11’50’’ in the General Classification.

Rwanda was represented by six riders namely; Janvier Hadi (now retired), Emile Bintunimana, Patrick Byukusenge, Jean Claude Uwizeye, Joseph Areruya and Camera Hakuzimana.

Jean Bosco Nsengimana, 2015 Tour of Rwanda champion, represented his Germany-based Bike Aid club.

Rwanda finished with mixed results in the 7th position, with Uwizeye the team’s best performer, in 15th position overall, followed by Hakuzimana (25th), Byukusenge (36th), Hadi (51st), Areruya(63rd) and Nsengimana (22nd).

In 2014, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, became the first Rwanda to win a stage at the Tropicale Amissa Bongo, when he won Stage 5.

Meanwhile, preparations for the forthcoming 8th edition of Tour of Rwanda are in high gear. Rwanda will be represented by three teams, namely; Team Rwanda, Benediction Club, and Sports Club Friends of Rwamagana.

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