FOUR-time Tour of Rwanda champion Abraham Ruhumuriza is convinced a podium finish is within reach at this year’s Tour of Cameroon scheduled to run from February 27-March 7.

Last year, the experienced rider finished 5th after two stages wins but in the build-up to next week’s competition, Ruhumuriza insists that he wants to go a notch better by finishing inside the top three.

"I had a good run last year but I feel like I can better that performance this year. Physically, I have never felt better. Mentally, I’m all set to fight till the last stage,” the ace rider said, adding, "I’m in good shape and feel that anything short of a 1-2-3 finish would be disappointing.”

"I’m quite relaxed at the moment and I’m going out there to do the best I can do. Without bad luck and everything, I think I’ll get the result I want.”

On top of Ruhumuriza, Rwanda’s five-man team includes Nathan Byukusenge, Gasore Hategeka, Emmanuel Rudahunga and Innocent Uwamungu.

The team jets out tomorrow afternoon aboard Kenya Airways.

The Tour of Cameroon is a highly rated event on the UCI calendar. Last year, Rwanda finished 3rd while Milan Barenyi of Slovakia won the race.

Other past winners include David Clarke (Great Britain), Flavien Chipaut (France), Pavel Nevdakh (Kazahkstan) and Davide Daniele Silvestre (Italy) among others.The tour paces off in Maroua, about 1,500km from Yaoundé.

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