Rwanda Cycling Federation president Aimable Bayingana is positive that Team Rwanda will retain the Tour du Rwanda title when the 2015 edition gets underway on November 13 to 20.

Bayingana has hailed Team Rwanda riders for their increased professionalism when competing in major competitions and believes they have accumulated more experience since two past editions which was won by Valens Ndayisenga and Jean Bosco Nsengimana, who were riding under Team Rwanda Karisimbi.

"They have increased their competition level tremendously compared to the past year and they are more experienced. I would not be wrong to say that we have a good chance of retaining it (Tour du Rwanda title),” he said.

"In all competitions that they have participated in, they have done really well in past two years so I believe they can do it again. It will not be easy but our riders have shown consistence and capacity to compete at high level.”

Bayingana said that Rwandans are more experienced than before, Apart from new faces, the others participated in at least one Tour du Rwanda.

"That is why in five of 15 teams that will be competing, you can find a Rwandan capable of winning the tour.” He said

Among the riders tipped to win Tour du Rwanda include Valens Ndayisenga (Dimension Data), Hategeka Gasore (Rwanda), Joseph Areruya (Amis Sportives), Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Bike Aid) and Patrick Byukusenge (Benediction).

The race starts today with Prologue before the riders start stage one from Kigali to Ngoma District in Eastern Province tomorrow.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw