Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president Aimable Bayingana has said Rwanda is looking forward to stage a successful African cycling championship when the country hosts the 2018 edition.

The Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) endorsed Rwanda as hosts of next year’s event at the just-concluded 2017 edition that was held in Luxor, Egypt.

The week-long event is scheduled to take place in February, 2018 although the dates are yet to be confirmed. It will be the second time for Rwanda to stage Africa’s most prestigious cycling competition but the first in eight years.

Apart from hosting the 2.2 category Tour du Rwanda, which has been on the UCI Africa Tour since 2009, Rwanda has over the last ten years been entrusted with rights to host major continental competitions in other disciplines, such as AFCON U17 and U20 Championships and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2016.

Other major sports events that have been held in Rwanda previously include; the Africa Mountain Bike Championships (2015), African Para-Volleyball Championships (2015), FIBA Zone V Senior and Club Championships and the U18 Africa Basketball Championships (2010).

Bayingana, who was also re-elected on CAC Executive Committee this month, said: "We are looking forward to staging the best ever Continental Championships.”

As we speak preparations have already began, he said.

"We are delighted and honoured to bring the Continental Championships back to Rwanda. This goes to show how Rwanda is regarded when it comes to hosting major events,” said Bayingana.

He added: "We are confident that the 2018 Continental Championships will be the best Africa has witnessed. Our passion for cycling is very clear to everyone.”

In Luxor, Team Rwanda won three bronze medals through Joseph Areruya, who was ranked second on the continent in the UCI Africa Tour rankings at the end of the competition, the highest ever ranking by a Rwandan rider.

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