The national cycling teams of Kenya and Egypt have withdrawn from this year’s Tour du Rwanda due to start Sunday through November 20.

Their withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon by Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president Aimable Bayingana in a news conference in Kicukiro.

"Today we have been informed by officials from Kenya and Egypt that their teams will not be able to take part in this year’s event. They did not disclose the reasons behind the decision but we always expect such eventualities,” said Bayingana. Earlier, two UCI Continental teams – Sharjah Cycling Team (United Arab Emirates) and Tirol Cycling (Austria) – had also opted out this year’s race and had been replaced by the national teams of Kenya and Cameroon.

Bayingana said: "Normally, most teams confirm their participation and rosters before they receive the necessary funding from their respective countries which at times doesn’t come and this can be realised at the last minute.”

He, however, expressed hope all the other 12 foreign teams will show up. The development means that this year’s event will attract six national teams namely; Cameroon, South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Algeria and Rwanda.

The race will also attract four UCI continental teams, including Dimension Data For Qhubeka (South-Africa), Kenyan Riders Downunder (Kenya), Cycling Academy Team (Israel), and Stradalli-Bike Aid (Germany).

In addition, five other clubs from different countries have confirmed to participate this year’s 8th edition.

They include; Rwanda’s Les Amis Sportif de Rwamagana and Benediction Club (Rubavu) as well as Team Lowest rates.Com (Canada), Team Haute-Savoie Rhone-Alpes (France) and Team Furniture Decarte (Switzerland).

Canada’s Lowest rates.com were the first foreign team to arrive in Rwanda – on Sunday – while the other teams were expected to start arriving on Thursday.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw