Team Rwanda turns focus on Tour of Eritrea

THE national cycling team will rest for a few days before heading to residential training camp in Musanze as to continue preparations for the forthcoming Tour of Eritrea scheduled to run from May 30 to June 6.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Abraham Ruhumuriza.

THE national cycling team will rest for a few days before heading to residential training camp in Musanze as to continue preparations for the forthcoming Tour of Eritrea scheduled to run from May 30 to June 6.The team finished 7th out of the 14 teams that took that part in the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo cycling tour last month, one of the most competitive races on the continent, which is classified as a 2:1 race by International Cycling Union (UCI).Veteran Abraham Ruhumuriza was the team’s best performer, coming in 12th place in the 579.4km six stage race that was won by Frenchman Anthony Charteau riding for Europcar cycling club.Emmanuel Rudahunga, Nicodem Habiyambere and Nathan Byukusenge also came inside the top 30. Rookies Hadi Janvier and Joseph Biziyaremeye, who were racing in the competition for the first time finished in 42nd and 74th positions respectively.Eritrea’s Rusom Meron and Morocco’s Jelloul Adil, who also won the 2009 Tour of Rwanda, came in 2nd and third positions.Team Rwanda’s good performance means they finished the race as the 3rd best African team at the event behind Eritrea and Morocco.Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary in national cycling federation Emmanuel Murenzi confirmed to Times Sport that the traditional Ascension de Mille Colline race will take place on May 20. The 130km race is expected to attract 60 riders and will be used as preparation for the national team for the Tour of Eritrea.