Tour of Rwanda takes off

As Cyclists head to Rubavu Today• Stage One (Discovery of gorillas and Volcanos)• Kigali to Rubavu (148km) AFTER months of preparation, the long-awaited Tour of Rwanda gets underway this morning. The first stage has cyclists riding from Kigali to Rubavu. The theme for the 148km stage is - ‘Discovery of gorillas and Volcanos’.

Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tour of Rwanda defending champion Adrien Niyoshuti

As Cyclists head to Rubavu

Today
• Stage One (Discovery of gorillas and Volcanos)
• Kigali to Rubavu (148km)

AFTER months of preparation, the long-awaited Tour of Rwanda gets underway this morning. The first stage has cyclists riding from Kigali to Rubavu. The theme for the 148km stage is - ‘Discovery of gorillas and Volcanos’.

About 60 cyclists from 12 teams are vying to enjoy a share of the Rwf12m cash package that has been staked for outstanding individuals and teams.

The 12 teams include Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Egypt, Morocco, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Global Cycling club (Holland), Castel Sarrasin (France), Cameroon, Team Rwanda (Akagera) and Team Rwanda (Karisimbi).

The President of the National Cycling Federation Aimable Bayingana expects a competitive tour.

"With very good cyclists in contention and very good prizes on offer, we should see a very thrilling contest over the next eight days,” he said.

This year, the tour has also been included on the UCI (International Cycling Union) Calendar and the world cycling body has even sent officials to oversee the event.

The tour will climax on November 24. Adrien Niyonshuti, who is riding for Akagera is the defending champion.

Ends