Team Benediction Excel Energy have confirmed their participation at this year’s  Tour de Limpopo, in South Africa.

The race will run from May 14-19.

"We have been invited to compete in the race, and we have already started preparations. It’s going to be our first outing since registering as a UCI continental team, so we need to train hard and aim for a good performance in South Africa.” said Felix Sempoma, the Benediction Excel Energy Director.

The competition will have four stages, flagging off in Bela-Bela on May 15, and concluding on May 18 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The opening stage will cover 172km with 4 x sprint hotspots, one KOM hotspot and finish sprint time bonus, while Stage 2 (96km) will run from Polokwane to Tzaneen with one sprint hotspot and twoyou KOM hotspots.

"We need to work hard and above all work as a team. We want to improve every day, and we look forward to putting up a fantastic performance in South Africa,” Sempoma added.

The third stage, on May 17, will be racing from Tzaneen to Coachman’s Climb (Mt. Agatha) with a steep climb and double points for KOM. The fourth, and final, stage will come the following day from Tzaneen to Polokwane with 116km of distance where the finishing line will be at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

A total of 20 teams will take part in the four-day race, with a six-man roster each team, and three-member support crew.

Meanwhile, Team Benediction Excel Energy boss has confirmed the signing of  Jean Paul Rene Ukiniwabo from Les Amis Sportif de Rwamagana.

Race jerseys

The General Classification leader will wear the Yellow Jersey, King of the Mountains (Green Jersey), while the green jersey will be awarded to the rider who leads the points classification at the end of each stage.

Best Young Rider will wear White Jersey, with the Most Aggressive Rider putting on the Red Jersey.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com