Team Rwanda cyclists fly out today aboard Rwandair Express flight to South Africa for the 5th edition of Absa Cape Epic International Mount Bike race.

The three riders, Abraham Ruhumuriza, Adrea Niyonshuti and Nathan Byukusenge along with their American trainer Jack Boyl are expected to arrive in SA the same day, two days before the events gets underway on Friday and runs until April 5 in Cape Town.

While Ruhumuriza and Byukusenge will be making their debut appearance, it will be the second time for Niyonshuti, the youngest of the trio.

"We have had enough training and have competed in two international races already this year.

"With the way things have gone since the start of the year, I believe we (he and teammates) stand a chance of doing well," Niyonshuti told Times Sport yesterday morning.

He, however, said that the event is very competitive going by his experience from last year’s event in which he partnered with his coach Boyl to emerge 22 overall.

The 966km event is scheduled to attract over 1200 participants from 40 African and European countries.

In the race Niyonshuti will team up with new Byukusenge while Boyl will be navigating Ruhumuriza through the routes in South Africa’s cosmopolitan city.

Team Rwanda cyclists have taken part in two international events this year; the Durban Mt. Bike race in South Africa in January and the Ivory Coast Peace Tour early this month.

According to Rwanda Cycling Federation president Aimable Bayingana, the Rwandan riders will be using the event as part of their preparation for the Beijing Olympics due in August.

The trio will miss this weekend’s Tour de Kigali, the first event on the local calendar.

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