Thursday

Stage 5: Karongi – Musanze (138.7km)

General classification

1. Merhawi Kudus (Astana) – 13:48:19 2. Rein Taaramae (Direct Energie) – 13:48:17 3. Matteo Badilatti (Israel Academy) – 13:49:04 4. Ricardo Aguirre (Inter Pro) – 13:49:19 5. Sirak Tesform (Eritrea) – 13:52:33

10. Didier Munyaneza – 13:56:36 15. Joseph Areruya – 13:58:13 16. Valens Ndayisenga – 13:58:23 25. Samuel Mugisha – 14:03:04 35. Jean Bosco Nsengimana – 14:09:55

After riding his way into top ten at the ongoing 11th Tour du Rwanda on Wednesday, Didier Munyaneza has said that he is keen on pursuing a professional career in cycling.

The 21-year old finished seventh during Wednesday’s Stage 4 to rise 10th position in overall classification – the only Rwandan in top ten.

At the moment, the country only has three professional cyclists; Samuel Mugisha who rides for South African side Dimension Data, Joseph Areruya who plies his trade with French side Delko Marseille as well as Jean Claude Uwizeye of Les Sables Vendée Cyclisme, also in France.

"I think there is a chance I can turn Pro after Tour du Rwanda, but that will all depend on how I perform and impress scouts. I am very eager and open to offers for professional cycling,” the reigning national champion, Munyaneza, told Times Sport in Karongi after Stage 4.

The Benediction Excel Energy rider used 2 hours, 37minutes and 37 seconds to ride the 102.6km from Rubavu to Karongi, five minutes behind Israel Cycling Academy’s Colombian Edwin Avila Venegas who claimed the stage.

Munyaneza who finished as the best young rider at this year’s La Tropicale Amissa Bongo last month, made a name for himself in June 2018 when he became the youngest national champion in Rwanda cycling history.

Tour du Rwanda 2019 heads to Musanze on Thursday where the riders will do a 138.7km Stage 5 from Karongi District.

Eritrean Merhawi Kudus holds a 17-second lead over second-placed Rein Taaramae in general classification. Defending champion Mugisha is in 25th position.

editorial@newtimesrwanda.com