The chairman of Royal Belgian League Vélocypédique (RLVB), Tom Van Damme has hailed Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) for the good organisation of Tour du Rwanda over the years to make it one of the best on the UCI Africa Tour.

In March this year, FERWACY entered into a partnership with their Belgian counterparts to develop cycling in the two countries.

"We have seen the best organisation of Tour du Rwanda and I think everybody has to learn from the way they (FERWACY) do their work in making this event better and more successful with every race. This is a very big event in Africa,” Van Damme said in an interview with Times Sport on Wednesday.

The Belgian added: "It is my first time to come for Tour du Rwanda and I have really enjoyed the race and I think this is one of the best races I have ever watched, the organization is so professional and the competition among the riders is at a very high level.”

As per the partnership, Rwanda will be sending riders to Belgium for training camps and vice versa—Belgium is a known cycling giant.

Van Damme admitted that he has not only been surprised by the huge crowds that line along the routes, but young riders like Samuel Mugisha competing on a very high level. "For me it’s like watching Tour de France and I think the future is bright for Rwandan cycling.”

"It is a tough race, and will not be easy for whoever wins. The federation is taking cycling to the next level, we all have a lot to learn from FERWACY and we hope that by working together it will improve the sport further because Rwandan riders can learn more from ours,” he stated.

According to the MoU between the two bodies, RLVB will be hosting Rwandan riders and will provide logistical support and training facilities as well as offer training for local race commissioners.

Equally, young Belgian talented riders will benefit from the training conditions of Africa Rising Cycling Center, a high altitude training centre based in Musanze District, Northern Province.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw