2018 Grand Prix Chantal Biya stages

September 26 Stage one: Douala – Douala (92km)

September 27 Stage two: Yaoundé –Nanga– Eboko (152km)

September 28 Stage three: Yaoundé – Ebolowa (151km)

September 29 Stage four: Sangmélima – Meyomessala (134km)

September 30 Stage five: Sangmélima – Yaoundé (170km)

Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) has announced Team Rwanda’s roster that will represent the country at the upcoming 2018 Grand Prix Chantal Biya in Cameroun.

The 18th edition of the annual 2.2 UCI Africa Tour race will get underway on September 26 and run through September 30 in different parts of the Central African nation.

The five-rider roster, that was revealed Wednesday morning, is a blend of experienced and young riders, with Jean Bosco Nsengimana the only member with a stage win in the annual race.

The reigning Tour du Cameroun champion, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, is the other celebrated rider on the team to race in Grand Prix Chantal Biya. The duo is joined by Janvier Rugamba, Eric Manizabayo and Michel Uwiduhaye to form a five-rider Team Rwanda roster.

Tactician Felix Sempoma will be in charge of the team during the race.

Team Rwanda will be making their first appearance in the race since 2016. The organisers did not invite Sempoma’s side for last year’s edition.

During the 2016 race, Team Rwanda finished second in team classification, behind Cameroon’s SNH Vélo Club. Nsengimana was Rwanda’s best rider then, finishing in the 11th place in general classification and third in U23 category.

Riding for Germany’s Stradalli Bike Aid at the time, Nsengimana put up a spirited fight to win Stage 4 in 4 hours, 9 minutes and 42 seconds after riding 169km from Sangmélina to Yaoundé.

At their debut appearance, in 2015, Team Rwanda also finished second behind Morocco.

Veteran Gasore Hategeka finished in the fourth place in overall classification at the time, while Bonaventure Uwizeyimana finished third in the U23 category.

Currently in rigorous training at Musanze, based Africa Rising Cycling Center, the team will depart for Cameroon on Monday next week – two days before the race flags off.

Team Rwanda roster

1. Jean Bosco Nsengimana 2. Bonaventure Uwizeyimana 3. Janvier Rugamba 4. Eric Manizabayo 5. Michel Uwiduhaye

Coach: Felix Sempoma

editorial@newtimes.co.rw