RUBAVU - It was an Eritrean affair yesterday as they dominated the first day of this year’s edition of Kwita Izina cycling tour.

Last year’s Tour of Rwanda winner Daniel Teklehaimanot led the way after using 3 hours and five minutes. He was soon followed by compatriots Debesai Frekalsi and Russom Meron.

Rwanda’s Adrien Niyonshuti finished in a distant 7th place after an accident before Ruhengeri saw him lose several minutes but the 22-year-old South Africa based rider is ready to give his best shot in today’s stage.

"I was in the lead group for several kilometers but my tyre got a puncture which caught me unaware leading to the accident. But I think I will be ok tomorrow [today] and will give it my best,” a seemingly disappointed Niyonshuti told Sunday Times in Rubavu.

Of the sixty riders that started yesterday’s race from Kigali’s Amahoro stadium, only 45 managed to reach Rubavu.

Riders will depart from Rubavu this morning and race to Kigali in the second and final stage of UCI (International Cycling Union) recognized tour.

Eight countries are taking part in the two day race and they include: Kenya, Eritrea, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Algeria, Morocco and DRC.

Rwanda fielded three teams in the annual competition which are: Akagera, Karisimbi and Espoir.

For each stage, the winner will pocket Rwf415, 000 while first and second runners-up will settle for Rwf207, 000 and Rwf103, 000. The overall winner will take home Rwf431, 000.

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