Stage two of Tour du Rwanda 2017 saw Swiss rider Simon Pellaud of American UCI Continental Team Illuminate, claim the overall lead after winning the longest stage of the tour from Nyanza-Rubavu, on Tuesday.
Stage two results – 180km
1. Simon Pellaud (Switzerland) 4:32:30
2. Matthieu Jeannes (France) +1:30
3. Didier Munyaneza (Rwanda) +1:31
4. Suleiman Kangani (Kenya)
5. Metkel Eyob (Eritrea)
Swiss rider Simon Pellaud Tuesday claimed Stage Two of Tour du Rwanda 2017, taking the yellow jersey from Rwandan Joseph Areruya.
The American UCI Continental Team rider reached the feat on winning the tour’s longest stage; from Nyanza-Rubavu (180km).
The stage featured six climbs and reached 2,500m above sea level. The former U23 Swiss national champion emerged victorious completing the stage in 4 hours, 32 minutes and 30 seconds, at least a minute ahead of any of his competitors.
Frenchman Jeannes Matthieu, who rides for Haute Savoie Auvergne Rhone Alpes, in second place with Team Rwanda’s Didier Munyaneza in third.
Dimension Data’s Metkel Eyob crossed the line in fifth and stage two winner, Joseph Areruya, in 10th.
Pallaud now leads the overall standings and victory today gives him a comfortable lead of more than a minute going into tomorrow’s 97.1km stage from Rubavu and Musanze. He is followed by Areruya and two-time winners and reigning champion, Valens Ndayisenga.
Frenchman Jeannes Matthieu, who rides for Haute Savoie Auvergne Rhone Alpes of France, finished the stage in second place while Team Rwanda’s Didier Munyaneza came third.
South Africa’s Dimension Data’s Metkel Eyob crossed the line in fifth, while his teammate and stage two winner Areruya finished in 10th.
Pallaud now leads the overall standings with today’s victory giving him a comfortable lead of more than a minute going into tomorrow’s 97.1km Rubavu-Musanze stage.
He is followed by Areruya and then two-time winner and reigning champion Valens Ndayisenga.