Ethan Vernon will again don the yellow jersey during Tuesday’s third Tour du Rwanda 2023 stage from Huye to Musanze after another putting up another powerful sprint to beat the likes of Eritrean Henok Mulueberhan and Terenagnu Polygon’s ace Jeroen Meijers to the 132, 9 kilometre stage two finish line in Gisagara on Monday.
The Briton, who rides for Soudal Quick-Step, proved his class after picking up his second consecutive stage from Kigali to Gisagara clocking 3 hours, 21 minutes and 30 seconds.
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Vernon,22, overcame the test posed to him by Africa Champion Mulueberhan while Rwandan trio Eric Muhoza of Bike Aid, who is best Rwandan so far, Samuel Niyonkuru and Eric Manizabayo, both from Team Rwanda, were so close in the running before losing the stage by just microseconds.
Stage two was a short and explosive day, with three categorized ascents in the first hour of racing essentially.
Most of the day was more gentle in terms of profile, however a small hilltop of 1Km at 7.3% was a trap for those looking for a sprint, before a flat finish in Gisagara.
It was, however, a frustrating day for Rwandans who failed to finish among the top ten. The local riders who finished stage the closest include Bike Aid’s Eric Muhoza(28th) and Team Rwanda duo Samuel Niyonkuru (30th) and Eric Manizabayo (34th).
On top of walking away with the coveted yellow jersey, Vernon also won the red jersey of winning the stage.
The Englishman, who won Sunday’s opening stage, sent out a strong message to rivals after retaining the yellow jersey of overall leader and red jersey of stage winner.
A total of 95 riders were on the start list from their respective 19 teams but three riders of them have pulled out of the race so far after just two stages.
Filippo Conca and Josh Charlton (Great Britain) were both forced to abandon after they were involved in a crash in the peloton that was heading to Gisagara.
The duo joined EF Education rider Toby Perry who pulled out after suffering from a collarbone injury in Monday’s breakaway.
Millions of Rwandans lined-up the streets from Kigali to Gisagara cheering on riders while witnessing the race while others have been following the race’s wide coverage via various online and broadcast channels.