MOISE Mugisha has said that he will be looking to do better at the 2021 Tour du Rwanda following his stellar performance in the just concluded 2020 edition where he finished as the runner-up.

The 22-year-old confesses that winning the race would be a ‘dream come true’ as he takes aim at becoming the first Rwandan to clinch the coveted Yellow Jersey since Tour du Rwanda upgraded from 2.2 to UCI 2.1 category last year.

With the upgrade, Tour du Rwanda, which was already considered as the biggest and toughest cycling race in Africa, attracted more elite clubs and riders from across the world, hence challenging the dominance of home riders.

For the first time last year, a World Tour team – Astana Pro Team – graced the Tour du Rwanda, while this year’s peloton comprised Israel Start-up Nation, a side that earned its World Tour status late last year after merging with Swiss side Katusha.

Mugisha, he says, relishes the participation of more senior teams and riders, stressing that it challenges Rwandan riders to learn and get better and is confident that, "It won’t take long before we (Rwandans) start winning again.”

"The presence of better teams and riders make us better, it is absolutely a good thing.”

Sensational Mugisha, who was making his third Tour du Rwanda appearance, finished 54 seconds behind champion Natnael Tesfazion, of the Eritrean national team.

"I have been to several international races – and won medals in some, but this is the best feeling I have ever had from a competition. I am happy for the second position, and I will be looking for an improved performance next year. Winning would be a dream come true.”

Asked whether he had any regrets from the race, the Skol Adrien Cycling Academy (SACA) rider responded that, "Of course I would be happier if I won, but I have nothing to regret. I enjoyed the race. Challenges are part of the experience.”

"I will take the positives from my performance and strive to do better next time.”

Tesfazion, 20, is just the third Eritrean rider to win the Tour du Rwanda after Daniel Teklemanot (2010) and Merhawi Kudus who was last year’s winner.

Speaking to reporters after his victory, Tesfazion said: "I cannot say it is my win. It has been a combined effort of many people; the coach, the federation and my teammates. Everyone was determined to see us win and I am happy we did not disappoint it.”

Mugisha did not only finish second overall, but he also took second in the ultimate stage on Sunday, the best position by any Rwandan rider in any of the eight stages this year.