The national cycling team’ Team Rwanda’ departed yesterday for the Ivory Coast Peace Cup which starts today in Yamoussoukro city.

The six-day international event will climax on March 11 and is set to attract various African and European professional riders.

The team includes; Reigning Rwanda Tour champion Abraham Ruhumuriza, Adrea Niyonshuti, Obed Ruvogera, Uwase Nyandwi, Nathan Byukusenge and Jean de Dieu Rafiki Uwimana, Jonathan Boyer (Coach) and Thierry Rwabusaza as the delegation head.

According to Rwabusaza who also doubles as the local cycling federation’s Secretary General, the Ivory Coast event is a build-up ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games later this year.

"This tour is aimed at helping our cyclists gain experience ahead of a busy African schedule where Rwanda will take part," the federation president Aimable Baingana also added.

Other countries competing in the tour include; Cameroon, South Africa, Zambia, Morocco, Angola, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Malawi, Senegal, Gambia, and Sao Tome and Principe and hosts Ivory Coast.

Cycling is one of the five sports disciplines which will represent Rwanda at the fourth coming Olympic Games due in Beijing, China in August.

Other disciplines include; boxing, athletics, swimming and Paralympics.

"We are planning to apply for wildcards from the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to take part in the Mountain Bike event during the 2008 Olympic Games," Baingana said.

Ends